On the 617.952 Engines I think the enough of the Crank Dampener has to come off in order to pull out the Long Timing Chain Guide Rail Pin. If so that is extra Work.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Correct, if the tension rail is to be replaced. Cam sprocket comes off too. Replacing the lower slide rails also requires removal of the balancer. Both are easier to do with the water pump housing out. The job snowballs quickly when it expands beyond just replacing the chain and tensioner.

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'79 240D

1979 617 NA. Cam chain, banana rail, upper guide rail, cam chain tensioner, no lower rails (2), 3 belts, water pump bypass hose; $1050 in December, Indy, California central coast.

'77 300D, 499K mi.

I had it done for $950 about 2 years ago from an Indy, including all parts.
I had read about the process a lot here, but decided to have him do it, per his expertise, better tools, and hearing about some mishaps when non experience folks have done it.
Unfortunately, he retired and moved.

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85' 300D No inspection, No registration fees, Cheap insurance
"If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're going to see some serious %$&^."

Here's a new chain and tensioner I've offered for sale.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/349903-wts-617-timing-chain-tensioner.html

This is a good DIY on changing the Chain and all the related parts that CELL did a couple years ago.

9 degrees of chain stretch


Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

thanks everyone for the comments my Indy has done a lot of work on the car but is having some personal issues and is a little bit off focus these days and my friend is jumping in he already bought parts.

my friend is going to do the perfect job on the car I got great faith in him I love my new GLK 250 but the snail is still my favorite

thanks again

I hope your friend bought a IWIS (JIWIS) Timing Chain and Master Link as the Beck Arnley made in Japan one is not up to the Job.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

The approximate cost depends on the hourly charge, and how much you want to replace.

Primarily the banana rail and chain were replaced on mine, but while I was at it I went ahead and had the tensioner, tensioner spring (separate on my 617 turbo), and corresponding gaskets replaced. This meant removal of the water pump, water pump housing, thermostat housing, and crank pulley to access the lower pin.

You'll also need the tool to crimp the chain links (master link to ends of new chain) as well as the holding tool (if necessary) to hold down the chain to the sprocket so it won't fall off.

Here's a photo documentary of what you could expect

W123 timing chain replacement - photo references

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

Thanks for all. This guy is the best I have ever seen. Super anal and all,he has machine shop and has rebuilt probably 1000 617s as well as lambos ferrarris, bmw etc. We share a Hatteras sportfisher that I own and he finished the job, rebuilt the 6bta Cummins etc.

I'm just anal too and keep a mental balance sheet in my head so we are always about even.

Thank you all again