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  #1  
Old 04-22-2004, 08:01 AM
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Timing Chain Life and Replacement 96 E300

I read another post on a 97 or 98 E300 about having to change the timing chain at 125K miles, I forget who the post was by. My question........was that an unusual occurance or should I worry about my 96 E300 with 290K miles? If I ned to replace the chain can I roll a new chain on like I could on my old 83 300D? Just thought of another question there is a shop in town that can check injection timing with a timing light would that suffice to find out the amount of stretch the chain has or should I just remove the valve cover and roll it around manually? Thanks for all of your help.

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  #2  
Old 04-22-2004, 08:34 AM
LarryBible
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First of all your timing chain is not an item that is replaced on a regular basis like a timing belt.

Secondly, if the engine has had frequent oil changes there should be very little "stretch" which is actually pin and bushing wear that is caused by microscopic particulate that accumulates in oil that is not changed with adequate frequency.

Lastly, checking the timing of the injection pump tells you nothing about timing chain stretch. That is because the position of the IP is adjustable. You can adjust the IP regardless of chain stretch up to a ridiculous limit.

If you were to ever have catastrophic chain failure it is much more likely to be caused by a failed chain guide rail or possibly a tensioner rather than the chain itself.

The only way check the chain accurately for stretch is with a dial indicator and factory procedure information.

Good luck,
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Old 04-22-2004, 08:37 AM
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Thanks Larry.......I just needed to hear that I was being paranoid. I bought this car from Benzmac so you know how well it was maitained prior to my ownership. I have kept the same oil change intervals and switched to Mobile 1 this oil change. Again thanks for the reply.
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  #4  
Old 04-22-2004, 11:17 AM
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FYI: My ’95 E300D (124 chassis, but same 606 engine as yours) had only about 2-3 degrees of “stretch” when I replaced it at around 325,000 miles. Like Larry said, probably no need to worry unless the car wasn’t properly maintained, or if a rail breaks which is usually preceeded by the tensioner failing & allowing the chain to slap around.

Off Topic: Just out of curiousity, what is the usual running temperature of your car when the weather is hot? (I know it’s a different chassis, so it’s not an apples to apples comparison, but I’m seeking any data at all on the 606 “norms”).
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Current rolling stock:
2001 E55 183,000+ Newest member of the fleet.
2002 E320 83,000 - The "cream-puff"!
1992 500E 217,000+
1995 E300D 412,000+
1998 E300D 155,000+
2001 E320 227,000+
2001 E320 Wagon, 177,000+

Prior MBZ’s:
1952 220 Cab A
1966 300SE
1971 280SE
1973 350SLC (euro)
1980 450SLC
1980 450SLC (#2)
1978 450SLC 5.0
1984 300D ~243,000 & fondly remembered
1993 500E - sorely missed.
1975 VW Scirocco w/ slightly de-tuned Super-Vee engine - Sold after 30+ years.
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  #5  
Old 04-22-2004, 12:53 PM
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Shoe,
You're probably just being paranoid. I'd forget about it. If the valve cover is ever off, then check stretch for grins. Replace the chain if stretch exceeds 3 degrees per this document:

http://www.meimann.com/docs/mercedes/OM60x_Timing_Chain_TSB.pdf




RTH,
Pretty much all MB diesel engines should be under 100C most of the time, with very rare trips above, to maybe 105C under brutal conditions. Anything at 110C+ is a bad sign unless perhaps you're in the Sahara or Death Valley. I can't make my OM603 get above 102-104C even on long steep grades with my foot waaaay into the pedal.
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  #6  
Old 04-22-2004, 03:21 PM
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usually 85 - 100 on my '95.
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1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)
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  #7  
Old 04-22-2004, 11:20 PM
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In reference to your question of the normal operating engine temperature range, below is an extract from a relevent Mercedes technical Bulletin

Phillip,

=============================
DATE: JULY 22, 1994

TO: ALL DEALER SERVICE MANAGERS / ALL DEALER PARTS MANAGERS

SUBJECT: GROUP 20 - ALL MODELS, COOLANT TEMPERATURES

The coolant temperature of MB vehicles may rise substantially above 100°C/212°F at high ambient temperatures while the vehicle is:

a) stopped

b) in city traffic ("stop and go")

c) when driving uphill

d) when driving at very high speed, i.e. with high engine load

Engine coolant temperature returns to "normal" upon returning to regular driving conditions. In individual cases, the temperature reading may approach the red field of the temperature gauge.

Provided the cooling system is well maintained and in good working order, such temperature levels do not create any danger for the engine and, therefore, give no cause for concern. The boiling point of the recommended coolant mixture is much higher than 1OO°C.
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  #8  
Old 04-23-2004, 12:23 AM
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What a load of crap. That's mostly so dealers can pacify customers and avoid warranty claims. I was fed the same line of BS when I went to the dealer with my new-to-me 1987 300Din summer 1998. It ran at ~90C all winter, but in Sacramento summers (95-110F ambients), the temp would hover around 105 (freeway) to 115 (city). According to this bulletin, that's "normal". Well guess what, it AIN'T normal. A new fan clutch & radiator had the same car running at 100C and below in IDENTICAL conditions. Diesels just do NOT normally get that hot. The dealer was telling me the car was fine! The only way I learned the truth was the parts counter guy also had a 1987 300D, and just put in a new radiator, and looked at me like I was nuts when I told him it ran at 110-115 in the summer... his was 90-95C with the new rad. I'm sure glad I pursued the issue or the engine would probably be fried by now!

Note: Gas engines are a different story - my old 300E would sometimes get up to 110C in nasty heat, but from what I could tell, that is somewhat normal for gassers... but beyond 110C is not really "normal" for gas engines either.
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  #9  
Old 04-23-2004, 10:51 AM
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Post Geez, I really had no intention of hijacking this thread…

But I REALLY appreciate everyone’s input on the running temps. I’m going to open up a new thread about it…

Thanks Guys!

P.S., I agree with you completely GSXR! And Mark - thanks for your input; mine is similar to yours, but a bit worse...

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Current rolling stock:
2001 E55 183,000+ Newest member of the fleet.
2002 E320 83,000 - The "cream-puff"!
1992 500E 217,000+
1995 E300D 412,000+
1998 E300D 155,000+
2001 E320 227,000+
2001 E320 Wagon, 177,000+

Prior MBZ’s:
1952 220 Cab A
1966 300SE
1971 280SE
1973 350SLC (euro)
1980 450SLC
1980 450SLC (#2)
1978 450SLC 5.0
1984 300D ~243,000 & fondly remembered
1993 500E - sorely missed.
1975 VW Scirocco w/ slightly de-tuned Super-Vee engine - Sold after 30+ years.
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