ML320 Tensioner Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

R1990 · #1 07-22-2007, 10:27 PM

I've got an oil leak that a fellow member has pointed out that it may be the tensioner seal that's the culprit. Does anyone have a DIY instruction on how to remove/replace the chain tensioner? I don't have a manual in hand but would someone please provide a link on this type of work? I've searched the forum but can't seem to find an instructional on how to accomplish this. Thanks in advance.

YuCrew · #2 07-24-2007, 04:48 PM

I presume you are not talking about the external belt tensioner, which does not have any seals. However, before you attack the "other tensioner" are you pretty sure your leak is NOT the gasket between the power steering pump and power steering reservoir...a fairly common leak?

R1990 · #3 07-24-2007, 05:52 PM

No, that can't be mistaken as the source of the leak since its on the other side of the engine.

supradupe · #4 07-25-2007, 11:51 PM

you sure it's not coolant? there isn't any thing above the alternator. if you suspect the chain tensioner, it is inside the timing cover. To remove the timing cover, you need to remove the fan, belt, water pump, a/c compressor, alternator, etc, etc....

YuCrew · #5 07-26-2007, 10:06 AM

Interesting input from Supradupe. I had a coolant leak on an ML430 on that side of the engine compartment. It turned out to be the auxiliary circulation water pump leaking.

DCF · #6 07-26-2007, 10:50 AM

What year ML 320 are we talking about, and in what country? Something here doesn't add up, as it seems like we are talking about two different things. The belt tensioner and the PS pump are very close to one another. There is no outboard chain nor an outboard chain tensioner on a US ML 320 gas truck. Are we maybe talking about a new diesel 320? Or a RHD truck?

R1990 · #7 07-26-2007, 11:44 AM

The truck is a 1999 ML320 US-spec gas engine. It was suggested to me at another post that the most likely culprit is the chain tensioner seal. At this point, I see no other option but to look further since I'm stuck and simply cannot identify the leak just by eyeballing the top and bottom of the engine bay. I was thinking of disassembling the belts, hoses, waterpump, etc. Oh and the leak cannot possibly be mistaken for coolant. In fact, I just changed the oil and I can see that the oil leaking is very fresh and clean oil.

azinn · #8 07-26-2007, 12:17 PM

Maybe this thread might help find your leak ML320 Oil Leak Scroll down in the thread for a photo of where the leak occured. My 2 cents.

mark cummins · #9 07-26-2007, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R1990

I've got an oil leak that a fellow member has pointed out that it may be the tensioner seal that's the culprit. Does anyone have a DIY instruction on how to remove/replace the chain tensioner? I don't have a manual in hand but would someone please provide a link on this type of work? I've searched the forum but can't seem to find an instructional on how to accomplish this. Thanks in advance.

Most of the time its a crush washer...easy to replace

DCF · #10 07-26-2007, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R1990

It was suggested to me at another post that the most likely culprit is the chain tensioner seal.

By "chain tensioner seal" do you mean the timing chain cover gasket? The timing chain tensioner is entirely contained within that cover, so the tensioner itself cannot be leaking. Before you go tearing down the front of your engine, I would make sure the other post is referring ot the same motor that you have.