timing chain problems
 

I have changed the headgasket on this '93 190E 2.3 and can't find enough chain to install the camshaft gear. I can't tell that anything has changed and I have even removed the frontend and oilpan to verify that I did not have a chainlink hanging loose. Everything is tight on the gears and still no slack. I managed to get the gear on once but the assembly was so tight, the motor would not turn over.I know on the teardown that the chain adjuster had slack but now it is fully retracted and still no slack.I have tried everything I can think of. Help!

there must
 

be a kink somewhere. keep looking. the chain didnt shrink. sorry, not trying to be a smart ass. but keep looking.

tom w

Timing Chain
 

Hi------ You need to remove the internal Hex plug on the outside of the chain tensioner unit, remove the spring, body section & tensioner. Now install the chain with the marks lined up properly. Now re-install the tensioner assembly that will automatically adjust itself. Good Luck ---------- Ray

I have tried several times to remove the tensioner unit but it seems to be extremely tight or stuck. I think it may break before it unscrews. Also the time I did force the sprocket onto the cam, the tensioner was in the fully backed off position and the chain was too tight for the engine to turn over by the crank.

Sorry there are no kinks. I completely disassembled the timing cover just to check for a kink.

Tensioner
 

There is no way to know that the tensioner is fully retracted WITHOUT removing that outside plug apprx. 12 or 14 MM hex size,remove the sring ,body section ,manually retract the tensioner, re-install the assembly.--- Ray

The outside plug was removed at the initial disassembly. I am trying to get the entire housing out of the side of the block to gain a little more slack than the tensioner would normally allow.

oK,---We are singing off the sheet of music. Go to the auto store & buy a spray can of PB Blaster, a super penetrator for gummy deposits. That body section is at close tolerance fit.Give it a good drowning from outside & inside & let the chemical do it's job for about 1/2 hour. Now start working it in & out, spray it again. It will come out,but may take some time. Ray

Kididler, after you remove the entire housing out make sure you reset the tensioner. this tensioner will push forward only, you need to push the body section out thru the front of the housing and re-insert from the back, do not insert too far because the tensioner moving forward only.

Ray is right,you need to remove the internal Hex plug on the outside of the chain tensioner unit to disassembly the tensioner but the tensioner need to be reset by remove the entire housing or tensioner unit. Good luck,

Sid