I am going to look for a 2 inch gauge this morning...

But, once I get a 'preload' - anywhere less than 3mm - I reset the needle to 0 by turning the gauge around, right? Then when do I know the valve has traveled 2mm?

I tried the preload and the needle went around counter clockwise - needless to say - I'm not getting this...!

ryan

__________________
RG Newell

1984 300D
1972 250
1986 560SL
1991 300CE

When the gauge is reset to zero and the valve begins to move, the needle will start to rotate (should be counter-clockwise). 2mm is .080". Stop and read the crankshaft numbers when the pointer moves by .080" (needle should be pointing at "20")

The needle on the dial indicator should indicte a 2mm difference from the original "zero" setting.

BY GOLLY - I THINK I GOT IT!

I have finally got it - measured it several times (following the excellent advice from this forum) and I am measuring 15 degrees stretch on the crankshaft. If you compare that to specs for my engine - 617.912, camshaft code 08 (13.5 degrees of stretch after 20,000k) - I am only showing 1.5 degrees of chain stretch!

Measuring it the other way - lining up cam marks (which I have done numerous times) - I showed anywhere from 3-5.5 degrees of stretch.

I suppose I could be off a little with the 2mm method - only used 1 inch travel dial gauge, so it wasn't EXACTLY perpendicular - but I think I was pretty close. I am assuming I should go with the 2mm lift results...

If so, I think I will leave the chain alone...

Again, thanks for the help!

ryan

__________________
RG Newell

1984 300D
1972 250
1986 560SL
1991 300CE