I have a 1983 240 d With 277K it runs strong, but the timing chain is making noise. I want to check the compression before doing the chain, but i wonder if the reading will be effected by the slack in the timing chain. Any thaughts on this?

Herr Colonel is right. With timing chain noise, compression readings should be the least of your worries.

The timing chain itself does not make noise. There is a problem with a rail or the tensioner. See to it IMMEDIATELY! If you let it go until whatever it is breaks, it will likely jam up the chain, breaking it and leading to the consequences described by Herr Klink.

Good luck,

I third the above opinions, and by the way when you finally do a compression check, be sure the shraeder valve in the tester is made with viton rubber. If you use any old shraeder valve, you will get low readings.

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

I've Just finished the timing chain and chain rail R&R. The noise is gone and the engine is running well. thank you for the replys. and thank you Steve for renting me the chain crimper. The tool worked like a charm. I couldnt have done the job with out it. now it is on to the injection timing and so on .
thanks again