OK. So I finally checked the timing chain stretch on the 81 240 today.

Using the 2mm method with a dial indicator it appears I have about 4 degrees. I know the car has about 160k mile son it so this does not seem realistic. I'm assuming either the chain has been replaced or there has been an offset key installed at some point. I have no service records for this vehicle and it was a rusty beater when I bought it. But I figure 4 degrees is not bad.

So I go to set the timing using the drip tube method. Set the balancer to 24 degrees BTD. Using all the available travel in the pump I can not get the spout to slow to 1 drop per second. So does this mean I will need to reset the injection pump or do I need to compensate for the 4degrees off my timing chain is? I know I'm going to have to pull the cam sprocket to check for an offset key just t get an assessment on the chain BUT in the interest of getting it to quit smoking with new rebuilt injectors will compensating for the current stretch get me in the ball park? (without having to tear off the IP?)

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1978 Mercedes 240D
1981 Mercedes 240D
1982 Mercedes 240D