Does anyone know if the master link that Fast Lane sells is a clip type or a crimp type like factory spec?
Phil said to ask tech

__________________
[B]Mike Y.
00 sl500 sport
88 560 sl (sold)

It is a crimp type. The clip types are kind of hard to find. They are typically used only for temporary connection for rolling in a new chain. If you get a clip type, keep in your tool box for that purpose.

Merry Christmas,

Thanks Larry
Merry Christmas
One other Question would you change the chain at 80,000 miles
or use an offset bushing
Also can you crimp the end of the link with a punch?

__________________
[B]Mike Y.
00 sl500 sport
88 560 sl (sold)

Your original question was somewhat generic. For the 80,000 mile question I had to look to see what model you have.

The V8 timing chain system is a whole different ball game and I am NOT an MB V8 guru. I can tell you this, though, the most common cause of chain failure in the V8, is not the chain itself, but the plastic guides. When one of them breaks, it can and and often does jam the chain causing breakage.

For this reason, the V8 chain and its associated components should receive kid glove care. I wouldn't even bother rolling in a chain without replacing all the guides and maybe even the tensioner. There's too much at stake with one of these engines and they are known for timing chain problems.

I would suggest doing some searches on this site and learn as much as you can about these components. There used to be a pro tech named Aaron that posted here often. He had several V8 cars and offered lots of advice and comments. There will be other posts in the archives that you will find invaluable.

Now for crimping the chain. You won't be able to "crimp" it with a punch. There is a special, very expensive press that can be purchased for this purpose, but I have never used one. I have had good success by putting the link in from the back, then putting the retainer plate over it paying attention to which side of the plate goes toward the chain. The side that feels sharp on the edges when running you finger over it, goes toward the chain. Then put a large hammer or body dolly behind the master link and peen the front portion with a ball peen hammer.

Merry Christmas,

88 with 80K, you definitely should do the upper rails as yours are probably very brittle. Very inexpensive parts too. The three upper rails will be less than $15 I believe. Once you have replaced the upper rails check the t-chain for stretch, if less than 7 degrees it is still OK.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Thanks guys
The reason I am asking all this is
I am changing upper rails no question
Talked with Phil
but I checked it out this weekend and found 7 degree stretch
I was going to put a offset bushing 3.5 in the pass cam

Thats what an old thread from Steve said
one of the moderators , a few years back
He said the rails were the killer
Makes sense
But I don't like a cam out that much
so I was getting a chain
till I found out about the master link installation problem
Now if I can pean it over like Larry says buy a chain
and put this issue to bed

It looked like .125 " of travel to get the marks lined up
But it turned out to be 7 degrees on the crank the time it got lined up.

__________________
[B]Mike Y.
00 sl500 sport
88 560 sl (sold)

I have a 1988 420 SEL with 178 thousand miles on it and the paper trail stops at about 130 thousand so I don't know if the chain or guides have been changed. I am going to pull the valve cover and see how much stretch it has. Also is it best
to change all the guides or just the upper ones as it looks like a real job to pull the timing cover.

I've been told the lower rails are usually OK to 400K-450K in most cases.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Fast Lane has no crimped connecting links
Are they still avaible at any other place?

__________________
[B]Mike Y.
00 sl500 sport
88 560 sl (sold)

I was unable to locate a crimp style master when I did my chain, even the dealer sells only the clip version for the V-8. Have had my chain in now for 45K miles with no problem. Just be sure to mount the clip(s) with the open end trailing.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Thanks for the correction Mike. I assumed these would be the same as the sixes.

I have no worry about a properly clipped master link.

Merry Christmas,

I just did mine. The master link from Fast Lane is clip type and contains 2 "E" clips. One for each pin. Nice quality too.