W123 timing chain replacement - photo references
 

A new timing chain has just been installed, what a job! Found out that the fan clutch is seized, and one of the blades has a crack. Ordered a replacement 9-bladed plastic fan and new clutch already.

I won't cover the basics on how to, there are more threads about that here in the archives/forum. However, I wanted to document the job for reference.

MB's chain is JWIS:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8...aa4486a3_c.jpg

The timing chain tensioner spring has a portion that rubs against the tensioner housing. This one in mine was worn halfway through :eek:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8...42b2552b_c.jpg

It's also noticeably shorter than a new spring:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8...54e53947_c.jpg

Those pins were tricky to remove! Took a while to get this one, as well as the lower pin, out from the block.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8...08bf7ee6_c.jpg

After all these miles and years (almost 30 years, 230k miles), there is a lot of material left on the rail, but the wear is noticeable:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8...80074886_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8...14b8cd0f_c.jpg

Grinding off a link in the original chain:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8...316797ef_c.jpg

Original chain disconnected:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8...5122b77a_c.jpg

New JWIS chain is nicely made and the links are significantly thicker than the original:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8...90f81067_c.jpg

Out with the old, in with the new:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8...f1536b30_c.jpg

Crimping the new links together:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8...0b882c15_c.jpg

New master link in blue:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8...24e2b429_c.jpg

While we were at it, a valve adjustment was also done. Only 3 slightly tight valves. Not bad:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8...0a498b3f_c.jpg

In case somebody tries to get the weird shaped gasket for the thermostat housing to engine, here's an image for reference:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8...54652e85_c.jpg

Make sure you also get the water pump to pump housing gasket, that sucker was a royal PITA to remove. Apparently they used adhesive from the factory when they were new. I had to use a razor blade to remove the stuck adhesive from the water pump flange to get a good seal.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8...63a872dc_c.jpg

And while you're at it, CLEAN! :D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8...e5bf5099_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8...03e4d940_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8...d847e53a_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8...7007fd4c_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8...e35b74e8_c.jpg

And do not forget to mark parts before removing! Otherwise they will not be in sync/alignment

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8...6de1417d_c.jpg

More pics for reference.

Nice pictures Sir!

Nice work! I like working clean as well, can't understand anyone who doesn't(?) Did you have to remove the water pump as part of the chain replacement, or was it a separate operation that you just performed at the same time?

The water pump removal allowed access to the lower pin. The housing made it significantly more difficult to remove this pin.

The separate job we performed was also performing a cooling system service w/ MB antifreeze.

Just looked through your photos, beautiful 300D! Which model did the 15" bundt wheels come on originally, the 6.9?

great pictures!

sooo much bokeh...

Nice pics!

Yes! Please tell us about the gear...

Thanks guys!

Gear: Nikon D300 w/ Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AF-S, basically my standard lens + body setup nowadays.

Mostly shot at f/1.8 due to low light :)

Drove the car today, and it somewhat feels different than how it did before. Maybe it was the valve adjustment. I'm waiting for my parts to arrive from Pelican Parts...

Nice work and amazing pictures as always.

Nice, I have the D300 and the 50mm 1.4, so Ill have to give it a try next time Im working on my car.

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great pics mate,..finally I decided to stop using my bloody nokia 71 for pics
my wife has also D300...so from now on... Nikon it is :D


btw whats the p/n of the timing chain tensioner spring? thanks.
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Thanks guys! f/1.4 is definitely better than f/1.8 :)

Spring p/n: 110-993-39-01

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8...4e6c1a81_c.jpg

FYI, here's a close up of the difference in timing chain link thickness.

New chain in smooth, lighter gray, with the old chain a darker tone with more texture on surface:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8...e101a2db_c.jpg

I wear nitrile gloves all day long. I never let my hands get dirty. You should avoid contact with used oil....