Engine died
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
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1997 420e
Engine died
Engine threw a cam chain on my birthday. Imagine that. It is a 1997 4.2 interference engine. I am told that the valves are probably bent and have banged up pistons. Here is the thing; I didn't hear anything when it went. It just stopped abruptly. I was only traveling at 25mph. Is there any hope of salvaging this engine or should I just find a replacement. It has 175000 miles on it. Is there any method to check the condition of the valves without removing the head?
If the pistons are good does it make sense to get a new set of heads? I assume I would have to get two.
What are my engine options?
If the pistons are good does it make sense to get a new set of heads? I assume I would have to get two.
What are my engine options?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 525
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From: the Netherlands
'01 W210 E320 CDI
IF you're handy enough or can get some help, I would scout for a used engine and transfer most surrounding parts, like starter, alternator, A/C compressor, sensors, wiring etc. from your broken engine...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
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From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
Engine threw a cam chain on my birthday. Imagine that. It is a 1997 4.2 interference engine. I am told that the valves are probably bent and have banged up pistons. Here is the thing; I didn't hear anything when it went. It just stopped abruptly. I was only traveling at 25mph. Is there any hope of salvaging this engine or should I just find a replacement. It has 175000 miles on it. Is there any method to check the condition of the valves without removing the head?
If the pistons are good does it make sense to get a new set of heads? I assume I would have to get two.
What are my engine options?
If the pistons are good does it make sense to get a new set of heads? I assume I would have to get two.
What are my engine options?
Btw. Happy Birthday!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 597
Likes: 1
From: Monterey, CA
'97 E320
That's scary...have 250k+ on our '97 e320 with original unopened engine, which of course has the original timing chain. Is timing chain failure a common occurrence on these cars when approaching/surpassing 200k miles?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
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1997 420e
Timing Chain
I bought the car with 123k. I was told that the TC were replaced when I bought the car and it was regularly serviced. A mechanic told me that the TC should be replaced at 120k and more frequently thereafter. So you are definately on borrowed time. In my case, the person I bought the car from probably got charged for parts that were never installed as these chains are normally very reliable. Your engine is proof of that. Once the timing chain goes the engine canot be economically repaired. Timing chain failure is the one thing that can completely ruin the engine.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
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1997 420e
HEADS
Thanks for the info. Are you saying you have a set of heads for sale?
If so I may be interested. I need to pull out the old heads and see what condition my pistons are in before I pick up a set of heads.
If so I may be interested. I need to pull out the old heads and see what condition my pistons are in before I pick up a set of heads.
