Here we have re-installed the cam sprocket. Be careful when re-install the gear on the chain, you don't want to break your new guides. This is where putting a line on the chain and sprocket comes in handy because you get a front view. Be sure everything is aligned before you tap the sprocket on. If you dont have it lined up and you tap on it too hard it will push the cam back in its bore and create some serious issues. It must be aligned and this is where experience with repairs or at the minimum patience will come in handy. It's tedious maneuvering.



Another shot of the guides installed with the sprocket. Chain in the front is exactly in the same spot.



Here is a shot of the back side timing marks. They too must be dead on after installation of the cam sprocket.



Here is another view of the new timing chain guides installed on the left drivers side cylinder head.



Moving to the right passengers side you must remove the timing chain tensioner as shown above. It is located on the side of the front right cylinder head. Remove the two bolts that hold it on. Do not remove the big center cap.



Here I have removed the right passengers side camshaft sprocket bolt. Same thing as above on the left drivers side.



When removing the right passengers side cam sprocket you will hear a noise. That noise will be the cam shifting clockwise off the cam lobe. This is normal but you will have to rock the camshaft back when re-installing the cam sprocket. Tie up the chain just like you did on the drivers side. There is also a washer + spacer on this side so put the cam sprocket bolt back in hand tight to keep them from falling into the engine.



Here is a photo of the right passengers camshaft sprocket removed.



Here we have another well known guide related fatality. This is the "Tensioner" guide rail and it too is made of a Nylon like material. As you can see from the deep grooves in the rail it too is getting close to sawing the guide in half! This guide attaches to a steel "Banana" like arm. The tensioner applies tension to this arm which in tern tensions the chain. The chain makes contact with the guide at all times. When this guide falls off the chain will ride on the aluminum arm, causing metal shavings to enter the engine and also prevents the tensioner from doing it's part in taking up chain slack. This too can cause piston to valve clearance fatalities. Unfortunately we didn't have any of these in stock and thus the customer elected to do the job right and replace them. Often times people try to get away without replacing this guide, or the tensioner. That is a very bad idea unless you do your own repairs and don't mind rebuilding the heads. If you are paying someone else to do the work best to budget for these items and take advantage of the overlaping labor of having them replaced "While the mechanic is in there".

As promised I am finishing this thread off with details on how to replace the right passengers side guide rail and tensioner rail. Maybe in the next few weeks I will post up photos of how to roll a new timing chain in, however it's important to remember that if you are going to replace the chain the guides must all be installed prior to rolling in the new chain.























If you are replacing the timing chain now would be the time to roll the new one in. I will start a seperate thread for rolling in the timing chain later.



Please note - autotrend / benworld / 126world does NOT sell new parts. It is a private service/repair shop and does not deal in new parts sales! Contact Pelican/Peach parts or Mercedes Benz for your new parts needs.

USE OF INFORMATION IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. Thank you.