I want to make sure I am getting everything I need, but I also want to pick your brains a bit to. First here is the list of parts I priced out:
603-016-02-21 Valve cover gasket ($22)
601-052-03-16 Guide upper ($5.25)
601-050-08-16 Guide that tensioner presses against. (slide?)($62)
601-050-07-11 tensioner itself($102)
003-997-55-94 timing chain, includes master link($167)
601-050-08-25 Should be lifters part number ($26.35x12 ouch )

My queston is for the slide that presses against the chain is that something you can change with just the valve cover off? Looks like a pin my hold the base in, if so I'm going to skip that unless it is really worn. Don't want to pull apart the entire front of the engine.

Am I missing anything?

What tools work for crimping the chain? Almost looks like I could use a crimper for large chainsaw chains. If so I'm golden, dads friend has a bunch.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

The front cover has to come off to replace the tensioner guide. If you go that far, consider a new chain for the oil pump.

The tool that holds the chain on the cam sprocket is helpful but not mandatory.

Sixto

If I may ask... why are you replacing it?

BTW, that is a big chunk of change! $674.45!

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1986 190D, 2.5L, 5-speed swap, 180,000 Miles (60K by me).
Jeep CJ-7 with Cummins 4BT/NV4500/AtlastII 4.3.
Grand Wagoneer 4BT project in progress!

Go and get the timing chain crimper from Steve........it's available in the rental pool........use the correct tool for that job.

I figured the front cover has to come off to get that guide. Ok scratch that I'm only pulling the valve cover off no more.

Thanks Brian I will look into renting the proper tool.

Timing chain has about 4 degrees of stretch in it, so its replacment time. Lifters tick and annoy the heck out of me.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Remember that we can't be sure of the timing chain stretch when we checked the IP.

All we know for sure is that the IP timing is late by 3.5°.

It's valuable.......only if the IP was never touched for the life of the engine.

I agree thats why after I change the chain I am going to try and get my hands on that tool again. Dave was talking about setting the timing at 14 degrees insted of 15. I need to ask him about this.

Sent a pm to Steve about the crimper. I'm not going to mess around with other crimpers, if the chain lets go it could be bad.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Don't think the difference between 14° and 15° is all that significant. But, try 14° and see what you get. That's 4.5° earlier than you currently have it set!

I figure what the heck I want to get everything out of this thing I can. Dave even said he goes as far as 13.5 degrees. I am going to yank the manifold at the same time and turn the ALDA up. I am hoping to make it more 617 like off the line.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Are you checking IP timing with an A-B light?

Sixto

We did use the A-B light on Hatty's SDL.