gl350:: is there a way to test timing chain tensioner
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Chicago IL
X166 gls450 2017
gl350:: is there a way to test timing chain tensioner
Hey folks, I believe the timing chain stretches due to tensioner going bad and putting excessive pressure on it .. if you guys agree is there a way to preemptively swap them out and prevent the dreaded timing chain replacement job ? Atleast the one on rhe outside Maybe??
Last edited by 007_e350; May 29, 2017 at 11:11 PM.
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
The chain stretches due to the constant load it's under pulling the cams/valvetrain and all that's attached to it. The tensioner is just there to keep the slack out of the "loose" side of the chain as it runs so it doesn't jump teeth.
Unfortunately, the chain is a maintenance item on these engines. It's not even that bad of a chain replacement.
Unfortunately, the chain is a maintenance item on these engines. It's not even that bad of a chain replacement.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 528
Likes: 20
From: Chicago IL
X166 gls450 2017
The chain stretches due to the constant load it's under pulling the cams/valvetrain and all that's attached to it. The tensioner is just there to keep the slack out of the "loose" side of the chain as it runs so it doesn't jump teeth.
Unfortunately, the chain is a maintenance item on these engines. It's not even that bad of a chain replacement.
Unfortunately, the chain is a maintenance item on these engines. It's not even that bad of a chain replacement.
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The only way to observe tensioner is visually and you need to remove a few pieces to view it. Usually if you invest in inspecting the tensioner you might as well check the chain slack and degree of tensioner protraction.
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
The tensioner goes out because the chain is stretched, not the other way around. The tensioner can stick in the extended position, yes, but it's not like the stretching of the chain will go away if you put a short tensioner back in.
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
We've measured the "chain stretch" using the MB tool on cars that have timing codes and extended crank issues, and even with it found in spec, a new chain solved the issue. I don't think inspections are 100% accurate on these engines unfortunately. We have two in the shop now that have cam timing codes/extended crank, no matter what we do it almost always comes down to being the chain.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 528
Likes: 20
From: Chicago IL
X166 gls450 2017
We've measured the "chain stretch" using the MB tool on cars that have timing codes and extended crank issues, and even with it found in spec, a new chain solved the issue. I don't think inspections are 100% accurate on these engines unfortunately. We have two in the shop now that have cam timing codes/extended crank, no matter what we do it almost always comes down to being the chain.
Ugh I hate that job lol
Another question: When you put in the new chain do you rivet the last link or is there an easier way to do this ? I for the life of me keep thinking the last rivet will come off ?? I know its paranoia
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2010 GL350
You mean all the posts on this and the diesel forum about elaborate efforts to replace the chain and tensioner are DIYs going WAY above and beyond? Can you do it without taking off the front of the engine? Or do still have to take off the front, but just to keep the timing straight you daisy chain it?
