timing chain for 300 SD

My garage shop told me last spring that the tensor for the timing chain is on its last step,so simetimes in the future I should start to think about the replacement of the timing chain.My car is 1981 and has 325 000 km on it.What are generally experinces with changing the timing chain? Is it better to keep the original one as long as possible?
It is a major operation,did some patients died because of it?

[dpbrowne]

A number of people on this forum have done the job themselves. It sounds like it takes some time but a basic job. I am thinking about doing it myself. here is a site that may help. Also run the search at top right of page.

http://www.pindelski.com/

It's not a big deal to replace, but you MUST do it right or you will be doing more harm than good considering the risk of something breaking which would cost an engine.

You can remove the tensioner, connect the new chain to the old after breaking a link on the old, turn the engine clockwise as viewed from the front while a helper feeds the new chain seeing that it never looses its mesh with the top timing gear. Once the new chain comes around, disconnect the old one and put in place a permanent link. After that push the tensioner plunger all the way through and feed it one click in from the outside.

Good luck,

[grimgaunt]

can be done for free with a vice grip

[P.E.Haiges]

I have a tool, made on a vise grip frame, that is used to crimp the rivets on saw chain. Could this tool be used to crimp the rivets on a MB timing chain?

P E H

[P.E.Haiges]

Ivo,

Its best if you can get 3 people the run in the new chain: one to turn the engine with a ratchet/socket on crank bolt, one the feed new chain over the cam gear and one to pull out the old chain. It will take less than 10 minutes. This way there is less chance of losing timing.

Always turn engine by the crank nut at least 2 revolutions after new chain is in place to make sure the valves don't hit pistons.

P E H