how long do the timing chains typically last on a 617.952?
I have a feeling mine may need to be tightened or replaced.

I have an 84 300D and I have been experiencing a rough idle (motor mounts are new, and valves were recently adjusted within the past 10K miles) and I am also noticing a power delivery problem at low rpm speeds... take off from a stop seems to be healthy- quick, BUT there defintely doesnt seem to be as much power as usual. I really notice the power loss when decelerating and then accelerating.... as one does when exiting a freeway for example- reducing speed (exit ramp light turns green, dismissing the need to stop or continue to decellerate) and then accelerating. Theres very little power and I find myself with the pedal to the floor in situations like these..... just to keep up with traffic.

There is no smoke when the engine is warm.... very little soot. But at start up on a cold engine there seems to be some light puffing of smoke.

Another possibloe symptom of excessive stretch of timing chain in addition to loss of power and rough idle is some mild overheating after shut off.... say i drive at 75mph for 25 minutes, exit the freeway, stop and go street traffic for 2 miles, then park, let idle down, and shut off. Whenever i start the car up within a few minutes after a drive like this the temp gauge rises up to nearly 100 deg. and the lowers as i start driving.

Am I correct to assume my timing chain could be over-stretched?
I just turned over 188K miles.

As always- comments/info.greatly appreciated!!

__________________
Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


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