What mileage to replace timing chain
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2002
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1988 300E
What mileage to replace timing chain
1988 300E w/154,000 mi. - aside from intermittent stumbling idle for several seconds after start-up which goes away, my engine runs fine - when should timing chain and rails be replaced as a preventive maintenance measure - also, what should it cost?
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Atlanta, GA
1983 300SD Champagne/Palomino
I would recommend having the timing chain at least checked for every 100,000mi. Of course, I would much rather be safe than sorry too. If that breaks, well let's just say its worth the while to get it checked. A ballpark guess, budget about $500 for replacement.
Best regards from star to star.
Best regards from star to star.
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 180
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From: Southern California
93 300E
I've seen this same question asked many times on many different MB discussion forums. Everytime I see the same answer from the MB technicians.
The inline-6 cylinder timing chains and rail guides virtually never wear out or need replacing. The chains are very short, and there is a tensioner that keeps the chain tight.
The V8's are a different story. The chains are quite long, about 6 feet long if you were to stretch one out. The upper rail guides on these engines are made of plastic and become dark and brittle every 100,000 miles or so. MB engineers never felt a tensioner was needed for this engine, inexplicably. Every technician seems to recommend the chains on these V8's to be changed every 100,000 to 130,000 miles.
The inline-6 cylinder timing chains and rail guides virtually never wear out or need replacing. The chains are very short, and there is a tensioner that keeps the chain tight.
The V8's are a different story. The chains are quite long, about 6 feet long if you were to stretch one out. The upper rail guides on these engines are made of plastic and become dark and brittle every 100,000 miles or so. MB engineers never felt a tensioner was needed for this engine, inexplicably. Every technician seems to recommend the chains on these V8's to be changed every 100,000 to 130,000 miles.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
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chains
I was reading Suginami's answer to timing chains,saying that the inline 6's dont need a new tensioner just the chain.
Does this apply to 4's too as in the 2.3,cause' I'm just about to do a head gasket so while Iv'e got "things to bits" and the cars done just over 100k, (and it is just over,about 60 miles over),I thought I'd replace the chain & belt,basically kill 3 birds with stone,instead o the usual 2.
regards
Does this apply to 4's too as in the 2.3,cause' I'm just about to do a head gasket so while Iv'e got "things to bits" and the cars done just over 100k, (and it is just over,about 60 miles over),I thought I'd replace the chain & belt,basically kill 3 birds with stone,instead o the usual 2.
regards
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 500
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From: NYC
C32 AMG, C300 Sport
I also hear that you never replace chain
They last indefinately. Perhaps you need some tuning and plugs but the chain does not go. I had a chain on another six cyl and it ran forever. I got rid of the car at 260k but the chain was still hangin on. Good luck.
