Hi Guys thank you for your help on this last time, i have managed to get my Father to write in his own words on what is going on.... any advice ?

I have a l983 merc 280E. l60,000 miles,Mll0 engine.Over the last 2/3 months
it has developed a loud timing chain noise first thing in the morning for
maybe 30 seconds to 90 seconds and is then okay.

This does not happen everyday maybe 2/3 times over l0 days.The engine runs perfect otherwise.
I have replaced the hydraulic chain tensioner,No new spring was supplied.

My old one is about 3.l/4. inches long approx, Is this okay?
I have taken rocker cover off and turned engine over by hand. Sprockets and chain look okay.

If l turn engine anti clockwise a bit, chain guide compresses about
1/4 inch at tensioner and returns when l turn back, Is this okay?

I have checked the tappets .okay,They are not hydraulic.

I have owned this car for l5 years and changed oil & filters every 5,000 miles,

There is a 3 bar oil pressure.Any advice would be much appreciated.
Very Old Man.Hic.

I may have to give up on this Forum not many people answer.

Not getting many replies.
Possibly because timing chain rattles on a 110 engine are very rare, due to the fact they have constant pressure applied to the chain guide.
The reason for this is that the chain tensioner uses a heavy spring and a one way ratchet assembly, so as the chain stretches and the guides slowly wear, the tensioner moves forward but can't retract.

Q; Was the tensioner housing replaced or just the tensioner piston??

One way you can check the tensioner is to remove it as a complete assembly,
remove the piston from the housing and then install as you would normally (piston needs to be fed into housing from behind, meaning chain side of piston into rear of housing) you will feel it ratchet, push it through until theres about 10mm protruding, now holding housing, try to push piston back against ratchet, it should not go back!.
If it does, then theres your problem.
Good luck.