Timing chain crimper how to
 

Danger, Warning:
NEVER use any timing chain that comes with a retaining clip master link, it is a gasoline engine chain = it will fail FAST in a few hundred miles/thousand miles.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/193675-need-automotive-grade-prozac-%3D-timing-chain.html

1984 190D-2.2 5-speed

The temporary link pictured is actually just the master link from the old chain (which was installed long ago, before Mercedes changed engineering direction and mandated crimping as the only recommended method for linking the chain).

The clip-on style of link in a MB diesel rated timing chain has not been available for many years.

The wood block is a homemade substitute for the proper Mercedes tool, it helps hold the chain to the camshaft sprocket.
Obviously, a wood block is not as good as the factory tool but it is better than no tool at all :)
This one is cut to fit the 601 diesel engine (and most likely the 602 & 603 as well) to help you guide the chain in.

http://www.startekinfo.de/etools/dat...n/image003.jpg
http://www.startekinfo.de/etools/content/tool.jsp?toolno=602 589 01 40 00

Mercedes sells temporary links for rolling in the chain (part number 602 589 02 40 00, Listed as "Threading Link Set (temporary) for Diesel/Gasoline Engines").
http://www.startekinfo.de/etools/dat...n/image002.gif

The crimping tool works on ALL MB timing chains.
You should make a wood block to fit your engine.



The picture with the blue circle shows (from left to right):
* A factory crimp
* Crimp with home made tool
* A virgin pin

The other picture shows the pins after being peened.


Please read these for more data on correct timing chain CRIMPING.

Special attention post #26 and #41.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/355389-chain-replacement-tool.html

http://www.justanswer.com/mercedes/3ev4y-install-new-timing-chain-far-taking-parts-tools-use.html

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What did you use to crimp the edges of the pins on the master link? also, in the picture with the links pressed with the homemade tool will that be enough to go another 100 thousand miles.

Answer
 

The first picture is the chain link crimping tool = it squashes the end/edge of the chain link pin.

I do not recommend a home made tool for crimping the timing chain link..
There is no possible way to guess the safety/durability of the following.

Danger:
I have witnessed:
# The heavy brace block can slip cutting or breaking fingers.
# The brace block must be held firm to the chain or the cam sprocket will fracture.
# The hammer slips, hitting the un-supported area of the sprocket, breaking the sprocket.


The home made tool (example):
* A 10 - 45 pound steel block/slab/rod to brace/absorber the impact, it must have enough mass to prevent/absorb/damp excess bounce, and enough mass not to go flying with each impact.
* A flat punch at least twice as wide as the pin.
* A hammer, 16 oz - 5 LB.

whunter,

thank you for the reply, I am going to take some good advice (yours included) and wait until I have the correct tool for the job, this is not something I want to go experimenting with right now.

Could you point to any more info about building the homemade wood block tool? I'm interested in building something similar for doing a timing chain on an OM616 engine.

thanks

The first four pictures whunter posted above are ones I took when I replaced my timing chain a few years ago. I made the wood block in picture #4 simply by placing a piece of wood against the sprocket (with the chain in place), tracing its profile onto the wood, and cutting a trapezoidal notch in the wood on a miter saw to match the sprocket profile. You want it as tight as possible so the chain can't slip, particularly on the side of the sprocket facing the injection pump. If it's sloppy you might as well not bother. After cutting the slot for the sprocket, I traced the profile of the head onto the bottom of the wood block and used some simple measurements to locate holes in the wood so I could fasten it to the head using the threaded holes for the valve cover bolts.

awesome. thanks!

More data on topic
 

Some related links for members.

replacing timing chain by rotation | Mercedes-Benz Club of America

PointedThree - How To Close /Rivet New Timing Chain

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/235928-240d-resurection.html


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When you take the old chain off you just pick a random link and cut the pin or you need to find the master link ?

Answer
 

Any random link is fine.
Trying to find the master link is wasted effort, because the old chain is trash.

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Anyone know anyone to rent tool from. Tried the people in rental forum but no responses.

Heavy Duty Chain Breaker $16.99
http://i.imgur.com/0QI8mEa.jpg?2

From the customer reviews:
Interesting, I might have to give this one a try.

Just wondered if anyone has tried the tool the tjts1 in post #11 is speaking of. I see in the reviews on the website someone specifically mentions the 123 timing chain and it worked for him. Just checking if anyone had tried it out. Thanks

Yes
 

I own and use one of these tools.

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FYI
 

There are several lower cost alternatives to the Mercedes special tool.

I strongly suggest you copy these search terms into ebay, and amazon.com
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Chain Link Extractor & Riveter Motorcycles and Mercedes Timing Chains

Chain Link Press - Double Row

EMGO Chain Riveting Tool Kit

Motion Pro Chain Breaker Press and Riveting Tool Kit

Motion Pro Chain Riveting Tool Kit

Chain Breaker Cutter Master Link Removal Riveter Riveting Press Tool Heavy Duty

LASER MOTORCYCLE CHAIN TOOL KIT CUTTER RIVETING PRESS PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP

CAM CHAIN BREAKER BREAKING RIVET PRESS RIVETING TOOL KIT DRIVE LINK SEPARATOR

NEW Chain Breaker Riveting Tool Kit Cutter ATV Bike Motorcycle Cam Drive w/ Case

10 Piece Chain Splitter / Breaker and Riveter/ Riveting Tool Kit


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