OM617 problems
 

How do you remove the black plastic uper chain guide from the head? I see it is mounted with one bolt and a pin goes throuh the other side. how do you remove the pin?I also bought a new timing chain for the engine could anyone give me directions on how to do it. Most cars you would just pull the timing cover but this just does not seem that easy.

The pin can be pulled with a slide hammer attached to a bolt threaded into it. The job is not easy as you will find out. There are lots of threads about replacing it.

You can also pull it by using stacked washers and a bolt from your thermostat housing. YOu need to be careful to keep plenty of thread in action on this because if you get in a hurry and dont you will strip out the outer portion of the threads.

Good luck

Tom W

Well it looks like that guide could be the least of my issues. I had a friend helping me and he pulled the cam sprocket and chain off and dropped the thrust washer down the front of the engine. Now its stuck in the chain half way down. I pulled the pan and it was not in there so I assume its on the chain and the chain lost about 1/2'' of freeplay. what would be the best way to tackle this?

Anyone have some ideas how to get the piece out?

You guys are not the first too do that, that thrust washer just "hungers" too go south. Others have retrieved it so you should get some help.


Like Tom said, use the "stack of washers" if you have too remove the pin and take your time. Oh, and make sure the washers are big enough to allow the head of the pin to clear. Good luck

This may seem silly but why in the heck did MB design the front timing components this way?Would it have not been easier to just remove a simple timing cover? Or am i just missing something because as far as i can tell there is no timing cover to remove.

Bump......

The one piece setup is stronger,

ON the washer, get a flashlight and a piece of coathanger, put a small hook on the end of the hangar and go fishing.

Good luck.

Tom W

I tried the coat ahnger but still can't find it. Shucks! How easy is it to remove the chain tensioner? that would give me more room.

would pulling the vacuum pump give me a better shot at the chain?

That won't one bit.

Well i'm grasping for straws, what would give me the needed access to the timing chain?

Forget the coat hanger.

Go and buy a telescoping "claw". It's a length of spring wire with a central core that moves forward and back with a plunger at the top and a "claw" at the bottom. You find the washer with a strong light and snag it with the claw. Don't loosen the chain..........the washer is sitting right on top of the chain about 1/2 way down.

There is no timing chain cover on this engine. Everything is done via the opening at the top of the block and head.

Yeah, the claw is handy too, I have one and I have a telescoping arm with a magnet attached.

See, we all drop stuff into motors.

Tom W