Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulC
The American-spec version of this model was originally equipped with a single row timing chain. Chain durability was usually lousy. As the 3.8 M116 is an interference engine, chain breakage meant piston collisions with a few valves, bending the valves, with ensuing financial carnage. Many of these engines were retrofitted with a dual-row timing chain (and other components to facilitate the use of the chain) with positive results. With the dual row chain, timing chain/upper chain guide replacement is usually something that should be done at 100k intervals.
MB began fitting the U.S.-spec engines with dual row chains around 1984 or so.
If it was me, I would go back two years to the 1979 450SLC with the 4.5 engine. 1980 models had certain engine mods and taller gearing to incrementally enhance fuel economy, causing some deterioration of performance, or push forward to the 1986+ 560SEC.
|
I am asking for them to check this out. There are plenty of service records from the PO. I hope it was serviced or retrofitted to double. It is a really nice looking SLC with Red interior. I would imagine even a 380 would seem pretty quick to me considering my last 2 cars are my current 300D & before that a V olvo 740gl wagen.
aa