380SL timing chain interval

[littlehandegan]

Looking at a 1984 380sl, which I understand from my reading has the dual timing chain (84 and 85)

It has 83,000 miles and the owner has not done the work, my question is, since it is an 84+ what is the normal interval to have this work done? 90k? 100k?


Thanks!

[nunger]

I didn't see anything in the manual, but I remember hearing it was 100k for a double and 25k for a single. If it is something you are thinking about, I would just check it.

Double chains don't really break but the guides do. It has happened to me before and it does quite the number on the internals. That peace of mind knowing it is ok is completely worth it.

[rocky raccoon]

and give it a good inspection. If it really has a dual row chain (I thought it was 85+) nunger is right. The dual row chains are very robust but the plastic guides are not. The upper guides and tensioner can be replaced without removing the chain or disturbing timing. The lower guide is not a common failure and most leave it alone since it takes a major disassembly to get to.

[rowdie]

It is age and heat cycles that cause the guides to become brittle. On BenzWorld an owner of 560SL with 80,000 miles found a broken guide before it caused a catastrophe.

[sl300-24]

The chains do stretch though...my 500SL hasjust be renewed at 65k due to stretch...

[paul roberts]

I've seen plenty of these jump timing at 80k and 200k. A stretched timing chain will slap the rails at start up. So either or both can be the problem. It just depends on how you look at it. IMO, the right way to do the job is the timing chain, all upper rails, chain tensioner and cam sprockets if needed.

[neds380sl]

FYI- 1984 went to dual chain.