Timing Chain & Camshaft




I am planning on replacing the timing chain, chain tensioner, camshaft adjusters, and camshafts on my M274. It has the infamous rattle on startup and was looking to do the job my self seeing it's pretty straight forward with the right tools. I just cannot find the answer anywhere as to whether or not when replacing the timing chain can I leave the camshaft lock down tool on the camshaft and then rotate the crank to pull the new chain in or do I have to completely remove the camshaft and then rotate the crank?
In the MB service manual the pictures show that there is no camshafts and no camshaft tool when snaking the new chain in.
Only reason I am asking if the chain can be replaced without removing the camshafts is because: 1) I do not want to mess with the timing/position of the camshafts too much, and 2) I've seen a couple of videos on YouTube snaking the chain through on M270/M271/etc engines that are all "Interference" engines and should not able to do such a thing.
Any help is appreciated!
Let me add that you will also need to make sure there is tension on the chain at all times as you turn the engine.
Let me also add again, you will need to make sure you have already locked the cam, marked the change and cams before you remove the cam sprockets to gain access to a loose chain.
Last edited by Cosworth2000; Mar 25, 2024 at 10:48 AM.




Let me add that you will also need to make sure there is tension on the chain at all times as you turn the engine.
Let me also add again, you will need to make sure you have already locked the cam, marked the change and cams before you remove the cam sprockets to gain access to a loose chain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52RX7ZicE1E
I see no other way of pulling the new chain until unless I remove both camshafts along with the camshaft adjusters which I do not want to do. I'd rather just take off the camshaft adjusters and leave the camshafts locked into place with the TDC hold down tool.




