Timing Chain loader plans - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

whunter · #1 02-28-2010, 09:24 AM

How to make your own.

Self-made tool: Timing Chain loader

Eric · #2 02-28-2010, 09:40 AM

Why? the chain can't come off the sprockets if its allowed to go slack during repairs. Shortblocks are even shipped with the chain draped over the side.

leathermang · #3 02-28-2010, 10:04 AM

Eric, I see that you have not studied the Factory Shop Manual.. and
WHunter is not going to post something which is of no value... and
it appears you did not read the url referenced either...

Eric · #4 02-28-2010, 10:11 AM

Why even bother. Its for a gas engine and as said before, the chain won't come off the sprockets if let slack.

leathermang · #5 02-28-2010, 10:17 AM

Why did the factory make a special tool for our Diesel engines to keep the chain against the TOP sprocket ?

Eric · #6 02-28-2010, 10:18 AM

To allow technicians to work without aid of a second tech.

One person and a special tool is cheaper than two people.

leathermang · #7 02-28-2010, 10:25 AM

If you look in the archives... you will see that several experienced mechanics have wound up with the IP off 18 degrees... one tooth.... which I do not think we figured out how it happened... but many of us are one man shops so a way to keep tension on the chain in the roll in process while making sure it keeps the relationship of the cam sprocket to everything else is a good thing to have knowledge of.

Eric · #8 02-28-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

which I do not think we figured out how it happened.

Which is also easy to correct.

mplafleur · #9 02-28-2010, 04:20 PM

The chain that is between the Cam-IP-Crank must not be allowed to slacken. The other side has the tensioner.

When rolling in a new chain, the crank pulls the chain, pulling the IP, and thus pulling the sprocket on the camshaft. The cam may be trying to rotate the sprocket in on direction or the other as the valves are pressing up against the cam lobes. If the chain is not held tightly against the sprocket, the sprocket may suddenly rotate when the chain jumps a tooth.

Since I don't have the tool, I use tie wraps. The cam sprocket has many nice holes in it to insert tie wraps.

Diesel911 · #10 02-28-2010, 09:55 PM

Seems like another personal choice issue.

whunter · #11 02-28-2010, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric

To allow technicians to work without aid of a second tech.

One person and a special tool is cheaper than two people.

If you are working alone, under time pressure = making the special tool is logical and cheap...

leathermang · #12 04-20-2016, 01:36 PM

Bump for new members...

The idea on the special tool is to keep the chain against the cam sprocket ...and allow movement and keeping tension on the chain at the same time... based on special tool available from MB for an arm and a leg. When you see all the ' zip ties' and vise grips, etc... holding the chain to the cam sprocket .... those are being used to (sorta ) substitute for this tool concept.

Self-made tool: Timing Chain loader

Clemson88 · #13 04-20-2016, 03:00 PM

I don't disagree with anyone but building stuff like this and doing work on my automobile is what keeps me happy these days. I need to feel like I'm still productive.

I've changed the chains on two Benz, a 380SE and a 300SD. I exerted great emotional pressure on myself and those helping me to ensure that cam sprocket and or any other gear didn't get a chance to miss it's correct location on the chain.

That has to be worth something. I will build this tool when I get a welder.

leathermang · #14 04-20-2016, 03:17 PM

Somewhere in the archives is a picture of the Factory tool ..... it would be nice if , after using it , someone put it into the rental tool program on this forum....

What it does is allow a person to attach a wire to the end of the new chain being rolled in.... and up and over a pulley with a weight on it.... thus a solitary person can keep the chain against the cam sprocket and roll in the new chain while keeping the chain in contact with the IP sprocket all the time... freeing you up to get down and use the crank end nut for pulling the chain in.