Timing chain 560SL/Smog Pump

[Softball60]

I started to hear the infamous rattling noise upon startup. Based on everything I have gleened from this group is that it's a catastrophe waiting to happen.

Didn't want to press the issue of creating more problems. It has ~180K miles

Have to admit I got lucky because I had driven the car ~ 5-6 times before I said to myself there is a problem here.

I decided to do the repair immediately.

Since the car had a double chain installed @ ~100K I only purchased all the rails for the top half and the tensioner/Tensioner rail plus the oiler fittings and gaskets/crush washers.

Initial timing check showed it to be off ~ 10 Degrees. I am hoping that these parts will solve my issue, if not I will do the chain & pulleys although
both items look good



Found a cracked in half timing chain rail on the drivers side so far. Got the drivers side rails replaced. While doing that I decided to replace the oiler on top of the cam because I broke it!!!

Started on the pasenger side today and had a whale of a time trying to get one of the socket head bolts off (bottom side of braket for Cruise
Control). Finally had to whack it with a chisel on the down stroke and broke it loose since nothing else worked (could not break loose with allen wrench and only stripped it out!!! By the way, is the dealer the only place to get these allen head bolts??

Will continue on it tomorrow and keep you informed if I have any
questions.

While I was down there today I noticed the smog pump which really doesn't even come into play in Florida. I purchased the Merc in Reno,NV
long time ago and the state had Smog Checks Annually.

Unrelated to the Timing work my question to the group is:

Can I REMOVE THE SMOG PUMP, BRACKET, ETC. WITHOUT CREATING ANY ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE??


As always you guys are fantastic with answers.


Looking forward to the responses!!

Thanks

Paul

[Softball60]

Finished the passenger side rails found as mentioned 1 busted in half laying down at the bottom sump. The Tensioner rail was gouged out and a tiny bit of metal was showing. When they did the timing change at 100K I'm not sure they did the guide rails. Had a devil of a time getting the guide pin back in the tensioner rail. Had to use a mirror with flood light to see down in the hole and guide into place.

Once completing the guide rails I cranked the engine over by hand and Timing marks line up and look to be within a degree or so!! Waiting for the oilers to show up on Monday and will finish complete.