PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/)
-   Tech Help (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/)
-   -   Power is down on my 300E (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/10175-power-down-my-300e.html)

LarryBible 10-31-2000 06:45 AM

After getting my baby back together and on the road, it seemed to be down on power. I could not find anything I left disconnected with the recent head work. This power loss was apparent after driving my new car, which is supposed to have similar 0-60 time.

I don't know if the power just trailed off over time, or if there is something wrong.

I put the old plugs back in temporarily when putting the head back on, and they weren't in too good condition after the combustion chamber problem. But, I can't imagine this accounting for such a power loss.

To quantify the loss and verify that it is not my imagination, I stop watched a standing start to 60 MPH. It took almost 13 seconds. It should be 8 or even a little less. Also the economy guage seems to indicate less vacuum than before. As I said, I have looked for disconnected hoses, etc. I replaced the fuel filter not too long ago.

Is there anything I can check or replace before taking this to someone for some KE Jetronic calibration?

BTW, I was quite careful in putting the camsprocket and chain back on where I found them. The only way that could be the problem would be if the chain slipped a tooth on the crankshaft. I may pull the valve cover and check the cam timing if I get no other suggestions.

Thanks for any help you can offer,

------------------
Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

[This message has been edited by LarryBible (edited 10-31-2000).]

jeffsr 10-31-2000 07:37 AM

Larry, two things come to mind. A possible change in timing associated with a skip of a tooth on the chain/sprocket reup. This will also affect ignition timing b/c the distributor is driven off of the nose of the cam. I don't know if the ECU can compensate for that sort of thing. Also, possible leak between the throttle body and mainfold base. Good luck..

------------------
Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

LarryBible 10-31-2000 08:46 AM

As I think more about this, if I find after removing the valve cover that the chain is off by one tooth, will I be able to remove the tensioner and then slip the chain one tooth without pulling the cover off the front of the camshaft?

Thanks for any help you may offer,

------------------
Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

ctaylor738 10-31-2000 11:57 AM

In the course of the repair, did the timing setting get changed?

Chuck

LarryBible 10-31-2000 12:22 PM

Chuck,

I didn't think so, I marked the chain and camsprocket. The chain may have moved one tooth on the crank sprocket. It will be easy enough to check. My question now is; if it needs moving one tooth, will I be able to simply remove the tensioner and move it, or will I have to remove the dist. cap, rotor and cam sprocket cover.

Assuming it did jump a tooth, it won't be too big of a deal to move it, even if I have to pull the camsprocket cover.

I expect that I will be able to move the chain by removing the tensioner. But I wish someone would let me know if they think that will work, so I'll know if it's an evening job, or a Saturday afternoon job.

Thanks for the response,

------------------
Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

mbdoc 10-31-2000 04:58 PM

If the timing is off then compression will be too, check it first & then proceed by checking cam timing.

LarryBible 11-01-2000 06:01 AM

Okay, I hang my head in shame, but I have a smile while my head is hanging.

I pulled the valve cover last night and sure enough the cam was one tooth retarded. By removing the front cover and the chain tensioner, I was able to move it one tooth easily.

I had an extra cam cover bottom seal and camshaft seal that I ordered by mistake. So I had everything I needed to pull the cover again.

I got everything done last night in a couple of hours, but did not start it until this morning, to let the goo dry overnight. I started it this morning, gave it a quick look and listen, then drove it the 90 miles to the office. It now runs like a scalded dog.

Once I started asking questions yesterday, it began to be pretty clear that this had to be what was wrong and sure enough...

Had I done a thorough job to begin with, it would have been quick insurance to turn the engine and check the cam timing. I relied too much on my marking of the sprocket and chain.

I guess all's well that ends well. It sure is great to have not only the car back, but the power too.

Thanks for everyones comments and the help in getting my head out of my ___.

Have a great day everyone,

------------------
Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Michael 11-01-2000 08:17 AM

Glad to hear things worked out...glad that M103's not an interference motor! I had a Celica I did the same job on once, and missed by a tooth...broke off 3 cam followers on startup.

Best of luck with your new old ride!

------------------
All the best, Michael
500E
300TE

LarryBible 11-01-2000 02:08 PM

It may still be an interfernce engine, but one tooth off wasn't close enough to take everything out.

Got lucky this time,

------------------
Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

jeffsr 11-01-2000 07:47 PM

Michael, the M103 is an "interference" type motor. Having said that, in Larry's case, his error sounded like a tooth in the retarded direction which would lead to late opening valves and reduced performance and increased distance between the valves and piston crowns. An error in the other direction can be more of a problem. If a valve is full open before the piston arrives at TDC, there will be "interference" (crunch). Larry has had a great passle of good luck with this casualty. I'm glad the "babe" is back to health... Good going Larry!!

------------------
Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

LarryBible 11-02-2000 05:52 AM

Jeff,

Yes it was retarded by a tooth, and yes I've been very lucky with this one.

When I think back on this, I was careless in simply trusting my chain and sprocket marks, but I did turn the engine slowly by hand before starting it. If I had felt anything wrong, I would have checked the timing further before starting it.

Next time I won't trust a mark, I'll check it thoroughly.

Thanks for everyone's support, moral and otherwise.

------------------
Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

[This message has been edited by LarryBible (edited 11-02-2000).]


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:06 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website