broken timing chain cover
 

I have an 87 300d turbo that the serpentine belt tensioner broke off from the timing chain cover. I cannot find a cover new or used anywhere. does anyone have any leads on one new or used?

Where are you located, and how big of a hurry?

im in Athens, Ga 30606. I'm not really in any hurry, the car is in my driveway and i have another car to drive.

Someone here replaced one, with a new one. Was it gsxr?

I believe so... He found that the new one was reinforced differently.

The newer one has ribs to the tensioner boss.

Both new and old-style covers have ribs on the boss. The new style has a major section of beefed-up material in the high stress area. Thanks to gsxr for the wonderful comparison pic.

http://www.w124performance.com/image...ng_covers1.jpg

I think that if you look at the back you will find that it is raised, not beefed. The material thickness is the same (necessary for a proper casting).

Required reading:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/109058-om603-freak-failure-timing-cover-1987-300d.html?highlight=timing+chain

Check Atlanta Craigslist
 

Put in "Mercedes parts" on the Atlanta, or other city's Craigslist. I've seem some diesels in there being sold for parts.

A new cover is not an unreasonable cost, especially considering the stronger redesign of the part. It was about $150 a few years back. I contacted the parts manager at this website (Phil) and he located the part for me at one of his dealership contacts. It will be a genuine MB part as I don't think an aftermarket part is available.

Did you do any work on the tensioner in the nearby timeframe to the cover breaking? Mine broke after I replaced the tensioner, shock and spring. The shock seemed MUCH stiffer than the old part and I have wondered if that contributed to the break.

Good luck on the part search and repair.

Ken300D

No work was done to the tensioner, it broke when I started the car in my driveway. Luckly I was at home.