Timming Chain

[jr811]

What the cost of replacing a timming chain on a 79 450SL.

Jim

[450slcguy]

Depends on who does it, where you live, and where/who gets your parts. Also depends on what other related work is done, such as guides, tensioner and whatever.

Do a search on this forum, must be at least several hundred postings on the subject.

[engatwork]

If I still had a shop I'd help you with it. You don't have a place to work on it do you?

[POS]

I was going to get mine done on the SL, but my mechanic said to wait awhile. Anyway, I was expecting to pay $800 to $1000.

[Tomguy]

Timing chain is around $100 and takes about an hour to roll in. Two max, if you are slow and adjust the valves afterwards. That includes removing the fan so you can crank the engine, and removing the plugs.

The rails that will need replacing involve removing the alternator (pretty easy) to get at the right side rail, and removing the PS pump and mounting bracket (not so easy) on the driver's side. The rails add the majority of labor.

[jjewell]

I'm gonna have to do this on my 79 450SL soon, for peace of mind if nothing else. Is it a DIYer or should a pro do it? I'm mechanically able but don't have any "specialty" tools. Anyone in N. California that has experience with this wanna help out on this little project?

[JFawcett]

I just had mine done in Houston, Texas and the total charge for tensioner, rails, cam oilers and labor was around $2,200. This was for an 87 560SL.

[Strife]

Originally Posted by JFawcett

I just had mine done in Houston, Texas and the total charge for tensioner, rails, cam oilers and labor was around $2,200. This was for an 87 560SL.

I'm in the wrong line of work.

[450slcya]

Originally Posted by jjewell

I'm gonna have to do this on my 79 450SL soon, for peace of mind if nothing else. Is it a DIYer or should a pro do it? I'm mechanically able but don't have any "specialty" tools. Anyone in N. California that has experience with this wanna help out on this little project?

Here's a step by step on a website called Mercedesshop, of all places.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M117TimingChain

It doesn't cover the rails, but is a good primer for the chain.

[rugby2]

there may be hundreds of postings re the chain, but not so many re: what it should cost to have a shop do it. also not that many tips on good shops. perhaps when they find a good one they hoard it? like they don't want them to be too busy, or backed up. I think we need to keep them in business

[450slcya]

Originally Posted by rugby2

also not that many tips on good shops. perhaps when they find a good one they hoard it? like they don't want them to be too busy, or backed up. I think we need to keep them in business

Have you looked here?

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/good-mb-shops/

Lots of indie listings by state. Since you don't show a location on your profile it's hard to tell if this is much help.

[jr811]

Talked to mech. today about timming chain replacement. His computer showed 4hr labor for one method, and 24 hrs more another. What would be the difference between the two. Jim

[jr811]

Talked to mech. today about timming chain replacement. His computer showed 4 hrs. labor for one method and 24 hrs labor for another. Whats the difference between the two? Jim

[CamelotShadow]

Originally Posted by Tomguy

Timing chain is around $100 and takes about an hour to roll in. Two max, if you are slow and adjust the valves afterwards. That includes removing the fan so you can crank the engine, and removing the plugs.

The rails that will need replacing involve removing the alternator (pretty easy) to get at the right side rail, and removing the PS pump and mounting bracket (not so easy) on the driver's side. The rails add the majority of labor.

You Dear Sir , you are allright!!!

Great Pics BTW!

[nobby]

M110, albeit, different, but in the ballpark.
$300 for all rails, tensioner and chain at MB and four hours to re and re.
I replaced the waterpump too as it was in the way. And the belts.
Hey why not? I'm was there anyways.