The top guide has to come off anyway.

Sixto
87 300D

So just replace the top one?

Funny, I drove the 300D today and the temps never got over 85 deg. That is normal? right? It is only 75 deg. here today. (outside, that is.)

yeap. That seems pretty normal. Is that with or without the A/C running?

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92 300D 2.5L OM602 OBK #59

The oil pump chain and slides are easy with the oil pan in place and the head off. Removing the timing cover will allow you to inspect all the other guides too.

My recommendation is no matter what kind of oil or oil change frequencies you have done always replace at the least the oil pump chain tensioner slide before 300k miles.

I have attached a picture of the one out of the silver 300D that got changed at 254k miles. There is no way I was going to button that baby back up without changing it out.

One of the best tools in my toolbox.

One other thought while I am here. Don't be intimidated about the removal/installation of the timing cover. The hardest part is loosening/tightening the crank bolt and that is not a bad job with the above mentioned tool.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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Jim

Flywheel lock? Where do I get one of those?

One question. If I am taking the timing cover off, What will happen to the oil pan gasket where the front timing cover meets the gasket? You cant just replace that part, you will have to replace the whole thing?

If you are very careful you will not damage the oil pan gasket in which case you just dab sealant at the corners prior to positioning the timing cover. If you do damage the gasket you have to fix it. I have never had an issue with it but I guess you could use more sealant if you don't want to have to drop the pan.

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Jim

Without ac.

Try the Buy Parts link at the top of the page.

Try the tool rental forum.

Try eBay - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170544035784

Try any of the MB special tool suppliers.

This is what you're looking for -



Sixto
87 300D

How about if I do take the front timing cover and put a new timing chain on, do I put the new timing chain together before I put it on or feed it in after everything is back together?

Good question. I've never seen a TDC timing mark for the IP sprocket/timer.

Sixto
87 300D

I dont think there is a tdc mark on the injector pump sprocket.

For that reason alone consider rolling in the new chain rather than fitting it intact over the sprockets. Get someone to record on video as you roll the new chain with the front cover off so we see what goes on

Sixto
87 300D

WOW! I dont have the money to do all that needs to be done. So this is what Im going to do, take head off and all new headgasket set, new headbolts, new timing chain, new timing chain tensioner, new water pump, new thermostat. I am not going to have the head rebuilt, Ill have to roll the new chain on. Any thoughts?