Good morning.

I am interested in enlisting someone to help me replace my timing chain and set proper injection pump timing (1982 300cd, ~140k, erratically documented past maintenance history). I am doing this as a "preventive maintenance" item, as well as to learn how to do it, rather than for any specific (known) mechanical problem. I feel that I am a reasonably competent, interested driveway mechanic, but have never done this job and don't want to foul it up.
If there is anyone near Winston-Salem, NC who would like to enjoy the upcoming spring weather some day and help me work through this, I would be obliged. I would certainly be willing to compensate you for your time with any reasonable combination of food/fuel/beer/cash that we can agree on. My work/time off schedule tends to fluctuate, so we would just have to work to coordinate an acceptable date.
Thanks for your consideration. You can PM me, and I will also check back here from time to time.

__________________
1982 300cd, 140k miles

You should be able to do the chain at 250,000 miles.

__________________
1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

Also, there is a measurement procedure.

__________________
1987 300D (230,000 mi on a #14 head-watching the temp gauge and keeping the ghost in the machine)
Raleigh NC - Home of deep fried sushi!

oldsinner: Thanks for your input. I know that this is somewhat of a controversial topic on this board, with knowledgeable arguments on both sides. My reasons for wanting to go ahead and change the chain include erratic documentation of past maintenance (my understanding is that infrequent oil changes can/possibly/in the opinion of some lead to premature chain "wear"), a desire to learn how to perform the job, and a personal interest/philosophy that leans towards replacing some of these critical items now rather than when they demonstrate wear.

Sean: I got your PM, and will reply there as well. I've known that checking chain elongation and "making up for" elongation with off-set keys is described. At this point, my bias towards replacement is influenced by the items I mentioned above, as well as the fact that we would have to remove the valve cover, fiddle with valve #1 in prepartion for checking elongation, and then go through the procedure. At that point, it seems there are 1 of 3 possible outcomes: (1) no elongation, button up, check again later; (2) elongation, figure out appropriate Woodruff key, button up, order Woodruff key, receive Woodruff key, take off valve cover...; (3) elongation too much for offset key, button up, order timing chain, receive timing chain, take off valve cover...For me, at my current level of understanding, I think I would just prefer to pick one plan, assemble appropriate parts and tools, and go with it. That being said, my understanding may be way off.

Anyway, thanks for the replies, and for putting up with my answers. I would rather type about this stuff than do the other work I need to today.

Ross

__________________
1982 300cd, 140k miles

Ross,

Very funnie. I'd like to get a Tutor to do valve adjustment and new chain, but now I learn I can wait till 250,000 miles via Old Sinner's reply.

Heck they may be a long wait as now I have less than 160,000 miles.

Here we go again with a long Chain Tread.

OldSinner; you pretty sure about the 250,000 miles? The PO's on this car really took good care of my car that I have yet to name. My Indy said he can do the chain for $125 labor. Not sure on cost to adjust valves maybe another $75, not sure.

He only works on old mercedes and used to work in Atlanta for the dealership.

He hates an audience, so I just leave him be.

__________________
1982 300SD

Ross, I say go for it.... do it while you are interested and able... no way to know what other things will be going on in your life when the car gets to 220 k.... you might be really old by then... I don't know how much you drive your cars... the amount I drive my 240 will make me over 400 years old when it gets to 220k....

I'm afraid if I did my chain I'd drop in into the Abyss and would end up needing a tow truck that had a good timing chain!

__________________
1982 300SD

Ross,

Maybe we can go in Halvies on the tow truck, what you think?

__________________
1982 300SD

leathermang: Thanks for the encouragement. I will definately refer to my CD version of the FSM, as you suggested in your PM. I have seen a "chain linkage press" (my description) in the Tool Rental section of the Forum; I wonder if some of the other specialty tools are available there as well. I'll have to check it out.

LNGfish: Yeah, man; I'll go in for 1/2 of a tow truck trip. I, too, worry about watching the chain or link disappear into the depths. I'll just have to be careful...

__________________
1982 300cd, 140k miles