timing chain stretch test
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Joined: Mar 2009
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E320
timing chain stretch test
I have a '98 E320 (112,000 miles) and a '99 E320 Wagon (150,000 miles). Both get synthetic oil, changed at 3000-5000 miles (since I've owned them anyway). I know the timing chains are known for long wear, but I'd really like to check stretch on them from time to time, but I don't know what the process is to do this check. I know this has probably been covered 100s of times so I apologize for the repetition, but I haven't had any luck finding the actual "how to" instructions in any searches.
Thanks a lot....The help is much appreciated.
John<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message -->
Thanks a lot....The help is much appreciated.
John<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message -->
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Leave them alone
Double roller on m112 it will outlast the car.
When properly maintained.Which is mobil1 0w40 fss change intervals approx 10k miles.
You are wasting money at 3-5k and over detergenting
the engine both not the best of practices.
When properly maintained.Which is mobil1 0w40 fss change intervals approx 10k miles.
You are wasting money at 3-5k and over detergenting
the engine both not the best of practices.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
simply put, chain stretch is usually measured based on predetermined length
of chain (e.g. 6" or something). then the shop manual will tell you to measure
and if it exceeds a certain figure, it's a no-go....and recommend replacement.
of chain (e.g. 6" or something). then the shop manual will tell you to measure
and if it exceeds a certain figure, it's a no-go....and recommend replacement.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Fairfield county, CT.
2004 Ran SRT-10,2007 S550,2016 E400c
I will have to check tomorrow but i am pretty sure there is not even a chain strech measurement
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: San Jose, CA
2000 E430 Sport
timing chain
I'm in the process of changing mine with all the guides/rails. My motor was making a noise thought it was just the tensioning bolt, I was wrong. Lucky I have a friend that owns a reputable shop and is going to give me a great deal. 
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 391
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From: San Jose, CA
2000 E430 Sport
THE CHAIN STRETCHED
Ok the engine is open and the chain stretched. The noise I have been hearing for years is the chain hitting the timing chain cover. There are marks on it. I will post picks later
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From: Sydney, Australia
190D 2.5 (x2), 190E 2.6, W202 C240,W202 C43 (C55), W210 E55, W212 E250CDI
I have only ever seen 1 timing chain stretch on a M112/113. it had had a history of missing oil changes, average oil change was done every 25,000km/15,000mi with a mineral oil. after 180k km's the chain had stretched and the engine light came on because of the variation in angle between the crank and cam sensors.
The double row chains last a very long time, I wouldn't be worried about it at all. You would get warning signs before it ever streches by any decent amount.
The double row chains last a very long time, I wouldn't be worried about it at all. You would get warning signs before it ever streches by any decent amount.
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From: San Jose, CA
2000 E430 Sport
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Fairfield county, CT.
2004 Ran SRT-10,2007 S550,2016 E400c
I looked at the pics on the cover that have marks.... im not saying your wrong but if your chain streched it would not touch there the tensionor would push it away from there..
That is the guide in the cover which is very, very close to the chain and the crank gear.
I have had hundreds of 112/113 front covers off and have seen marks on that guide before. If you look at the way the chain is that engine is run if it streched it would of lenghtend so the tensionor would of push it even farther away from that guide...
I would hate for you to replaced the chain and everything and still have a noise after you reinstall
That is the guide in the cover which is very, very close to the chain and the crank gear.
I have had hundreds of 112/113 front covers off and have seen marks on that guide before. If you look at the way the chain is that engine is run if it streched it would of lenghtend so the tensionor would of push it even farther away from that guide...
I would hate for you to replaced the chain and everything and still have a noise after you reinstall
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From: MD
w210 AMG or S213
I have a 93 altima with 250k on it. Last year one of the timing chain guides broke and the over time chain wore a hole through the cover. It made a metalic ticking noise at low rpm but above about 2k rpm it would stop. It cost me about $1500 to fix at a local shop.
If your timing chair was rubbing you would probably see more damage.
If your timing chair was rubbing you would probably see more damage.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 391
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From: San Jose, CA
2000 E430 Sport
Should this have some play?? It can move in and out a bit. I know my engine is still where it was weeks ago. My mechanic hasn't had time to get to it. Since he is my friend and is doing this next to nothing I have to wait. Also can he take the top rails off without taking the heads off????????
The horrible sound is gone. The chain was stretched. Now she purrs like a kitten
