The pleasure's all mine.

Here's a link or pic to a 420SEL chain in Fastlane.

http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/A510011943IWI.JPG

and

http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/A515011932IWI.JPG

You can see the similarities.

Steve,

the forum is up again :) but: is you beast running now?

bis denn,
Christian

1989 300TE
1984 2.3-16

Warren,

where is the problem?
What do you want to express?
Did you read the complete thread?

Sorry, but I don't understand you.

bis denn,
Christian

1989 300TE
1984 2.3-16

yes :D
and no :(

it ran tonight, i ran it for about 2 minutes.

It started ok and didnt leak any oil - so thats 1 thing!

It doesnt sound right though, I cant place what the problem is but the engine sounds slightly unusual and for some reason now idles rough and lumpy - although if you hold a steady 2000 or so rpm it runs ok.

The engine kind of sounds like its whirring - hard to describe really. I'm sure it may be rattling slightly too....I took the valve cover off, checked all the tourque of the cam bolts, checked everything stilll lines up, checked link in chain was ok; fine.

No idea whats caused the idle/rough running problem, the engine's been apart for a few days and the weather hasnt been great, mabe it will clear? I need to double check I havent knocked a wire off or something whilst doing the work although I didnt really have to remove much....

Will take another look over the weekend.....

:( so close, yet so far.......

any ideas anyone?

Steve,

I'm glad to read your engine is running again.

ok, you should check the complete timing again.
Turn the engine, until the pin on the chain cover points to OT, check the finger of the distributor and check the holes in the cams.

If the distributor finger is offset, pull the distributor and correct the adjustment.

If the cams are not like "O- -O" unsrew the chain tensioner and correct the cams. Use new alloy rings for the tensioner :)

That shouldn't be the problem. Sometimes my 16V sits the whole week outside in the drive - but she starts and runs like a charm, whenever I wake her up :o

Go and check the wires and pneumatic lines, maybe it's as simple as that.

Good luck and enjoy your weekend!
bis denn,
Christian

1989 300TE
1984 2.3-16

Chris, many thanks for your response...

I was a bit gutted that it didnt run smoothly when it started. 1 thing I did notice is there is no chain noise on start up and the engine seems to be slightly less noisey than before.

I am away this weekend, I will try your suggestions monday/tuesday next week and let you know how I get on.

Many thanks for your help

Steve

Look at the link for the two chain halves my previously posted pics, thanks to Fastlane. Now look at your pic below.


http://www.markthomastrimming.com/storage/linkok1JPG


You have missing links.

right, I get it now, that was just the first part of my link to hold the chain together to stop me dropping it into the engine.....AGAIN! My link looks like the one you showed above and it now has all three pieces fitted....phew, you had me worried then!!!!

OK, i'm relieved too.

Steve, did you get this figured out? Enjoyed reading the thread, been wondering what you found.
Harold

Steve,

Each time you take it apart, you reset the tensioner as Chris stated on page one?

I remember getting the new ratchet style tensioner in was another pain in the ars.

If it still won't idle, run a compression check to make sure you didn't nick a valve during the R/R.

Tinker

right, the latest is....

timing chain and tensioner are all back together. The engine is in 1 piece (at last) and I took it for its first test drive late last night.

It seems fine, the engine is conseiderably quieter than before and there is no more chain slap when you first start the engine.

The idle problem is still there.....it hunts/surges, it will drop to 300/400rpm then surge up to 1200/1300 rpm then back down again......it rarely dies. When driving it fine, performance seems normal. When the engine temp is hot (water @ 80c +) it holds an idle, albeit a little rough...

I assume I broke/disconnected/etc something whilst playing under the engine...will investigcate this weekend.

Thanks again for everyones help, I couldnt have done it without your help

Steve

Steve,

Two things to check:
First disconnect the plug from the electro hydraulic actuator. How is the idle now (engine warm)?

Second check the idle switch at the throttle housing for continuity. If the switch is allways open the idle will vary like you described.

bis denn,
Christian

1989 300TE
1984 2.3-16

1st, if yo mean this switch: http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/liv...1412167OES.JPG
then i already replaced it as that was my first thought....

2nd, where is the EHA? I assume its on intake side.....could you direct me??

Many thanks

Steve