Timing Chain Seems Slack? Is that normal?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
Timing Chain Seems Slack? Is that normal?
Yesterday I popped my valve cover off of the M103 in order to access the coolant temp sensor (for the high speed aux fan relay). The three prong guy. I did some poking around and everything looked super clean as usual. I did notice that my timing chain was, well...loose. From the front of the car facing the engine bay I looked over the timing chain cover and noticed that I could wiggle the chain on the RIGHT side and it was slack partway up the cog. The left side, (the side where that huge hex bolt is to access the timing chain tensioner) seemed tight with no play. Is this normal?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,297
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From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
Ehh, I've never heard what a noisy timing chain sounds like but there is no audible clacking or rattling from what I can make out at idle.
I just assumed that it should be tight enough so that a finger poking at it could not wiggle it back and forth, and even a bit of side to side play on the cog. I'll try to post pics later today as it is hard to pinpoint exactly with words. I'm just wondering if my tensioner is failing, I know the car has much over 200K and most likely has never had any internal work done to it.
I also can admit that from the seat of pants feel the power falls to almost nothing past 5K RPMs. I remember it being able to pull much more past that all the way to the red territory when I first got it.
I just assumed that it should be tight enough so that a finger poking at it could not wiggle it back and forth, and even a bit of side to side play on the cog. I'll try to post pics later today as it is hard to pinpoint exactly with words. I'm just wondering if my tensioner is failing, I know the car has much over 200K and most likely has never had any internal work done to it.
I also can admit that from the seat of pants feel the power falls to almost nothing past 5K RPMs. I remember it being able to pull much more past that all the way to the red territory when I first got it.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
Thanks to your picture I can clear everything up!
The chain part with the black housing over it on right side of this picture is where mine seems pretty slack. I stuck my finger down in there as the cover was still on but it did seem loose? Could make some sense as the tensioner is on the other side?
The chain part with the black housing over it on right side of this picture is where mine seems pretty slack. I stuck my finger down in there as the cover was still on but it did seem loose? Could make some sense as the tensioner is on the other side?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Forethill, Ca Northcal
85 euro w124 300d non turbo black on black......coming soon hx35 turbo intercooler
Theres probably slack from your cam cause the valve springs. turn the engine with a ratchet over a couple times. feel chain again should be tight. If you can here the chain slapping around worry. Also turn engine inspect chain for any wearing marks. chains also stretch. Do a google search might help!!
