Is there a way to check timing chain with tearing engine apart?
That said, I'm with you. If mine suddenly needed a new engine, I'd scrap it.. not spending $3000-5000 on a $8000 car, period. So I'll spend a few hundred and have the chain and tensioner replaced as soon as I figure out what the hell else is going on with mine now.

I would like to try & calibrate stretch vs. mileage. I'm hearing of more & more chains jumping in SA as mileage rises.
It's the little plug that goes in the front of the timing cover. It sits where the thick red line is going through.
There are two of them, and they have to be removed, so that you can unscrew the chain guide pins.
I need to replaces the old ones since they got ruined during removal.
Any ideas? I can't find them on any diagrams anywhere.
Would this topic be part of the sprocket issue with these cars? I digged up some info about this and found that lots of cars up to 2007 has sprocket issues or possible affect engine.
What would be the best way to check this or would changing out the timing chain would be the best time to check? On a regular basis without opening the covers to the timing chain, what other indication would you get as a hint there is a BS Sprocket issue?
This is what I found on this tread that might be a good read since you are at it.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...l?ref=esp-link
The Best of Mercedes & AMG

Would this topic be part of the sprocket issue with these cars? I digged up some info about this and found that lots of cars up to 2007 has sprocket issues or possible affect engine.
What would be the best way to check this or would changing out the timing chain would be the best time to check? On a regular basis without opening the covers to the timing chain, what other indication would you get as a hint there is a BS Sprocket issue?
This is what I found on this tread that might be a good read since you are at it.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...l?ref=esp-link




EPC allows you look up your datacard by VIN, and see what your engine # is.
EPC is free to US people, though they ask for a credit card, they do not charge anything.
http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/
The DTB is around here somewhere. STFF


This is the timing chain rattle, I believe. Glyn can you confirm?
I got a labor quote today of $260 all in to replace the timing chain on my M271, he made no mention of special tools being necessary. I have 132,700 miles - I'll record my car's first start tomorrow morning for comparison.

), but I still do some wrench turning but at $260, that doesn't seem worth it to do it yourself.
Hogger - what is needed other than the chain and tensioner? I know you've replaced other things but were they necessary?
This is my car's cold start this morning. You can hear the difference VS the one I posted above.

We have only gone further on Hoggers car because of the head & chaincase removal on a basis of while you are in there you may as well get everything back to new.

This is the timing chain rattle, I believe. Glyn can you confirm?
I got a labor quote today of $260 all in to replace the timing chain on my M271, he made no mention of special tools being necessary. I have 132,700 miles - I'll record my car's first start tomorrow morning for comparison.
You need a cam holding tool & a chain breaker. The cam holding tool for a once off can be made up of pieces of stiff wire bent to go into the adjuster holes.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Mar 29, 2012 at 10:01 AM.


This is my car's cold start this morning. You can hear the difference VS the one I posted above.




