85 380SE, chain, guides, tensioner - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gary Ganaway · #1 03-20-2006, 06:52 PM

Ok I have done all the searches, read all the comments, etc but maybe I just need some emotional support. Can I really do the chain, tensioner, and upper guides on my 380SE. Several years ago I rebuilt the front suspension on my TR-6., and on the 380 I have done shocks, steering damper, fuel accumuulator, window guides, plugs wires, brakes, coolant changes, oil changes, etc but I know this is a bigger job. I also subscribe to Thomas Spin web site and have thoroughly reviewed his chain replacement instructions. It looks doable if you take your time. On the other hand I have an excellent indie that does great work at reasonable prices and I use them for the "heavier" items like suspension work involving spring compression, bushing pressing, etc. I just like doing whatever I can since I enjoy working on this car.

Maybe those who have done this can tell me what are the "real" things to watch out for and how much will I have to contribute to the "cussing kitty" as I attempt this job. thanks

86560SEL · #2 03-20-2006, 08:56 PM

I need to do mine too on my 85' 380SE, because it has 265K and I have no idea when it was last done. I also have that "ZZZRRRR" noise from the front of the engine when first started in the mornings until the oil pressure reaches "3". Probably the tensioner, but who knows.

If not for my "knock" between 1600-1900 rpms, I would pay the $900 and have it all renewed (chains/rails/guides/tensioner), but with that knock, why spend $900+ on these things? I just keep telling myself not to do it and just drive it until something breaks, then junk the car. I really hate to have that attitude, but......

Good luck with yours! You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!

ctaylor738 · #3 03-21-2006, 06:20 AM

You can do it - it's a lot of wrenching, but a very satisfying job. There are lots of posts on it. My .02:

You need to locate a valve spring compressor to get the right rockers off so you can turn the cam to get the sprocket aligned.
Remove the spark plugs to make the engine easier to turn.
You will also make your life simpler if you buy the puller tool that works with a bolt to get the pins out of the head.
When you start the car, disconnect the ignition lead and crank the engine in bursts until you get oil pressure to make sure you have the chain tensioned.

Gary Ganaway · #4 03-21-2006, 07:58 AM

Thanks, sometimes you just need a little encouragement.

donbryce · #5 03-21-2006, 09:55 AM

Just out of curiousity, as I have the exact same car, with 170,000+ miles on it, is there a symptom that leads you to deciding to do this? Mine seems to start and run fine without any noises, at least so far, and I too don't know for certain when these parts were last changed. I suspect less than 50,000 miles ago though.

ctaylor738 · #6 03-21-2006, 10:12 AM

My .02 - if you don't know when the 3 rails in the heads were changed, change them. There are no symptoms to predict breakage.

The chain's stretch can be easily measured, and a weak tensioner will cause a tapping noise at start-up.

Gary Ganaway · #7 03-21-2006, 11:45 AM

donbryce: I have no reason other than I just turned 100K and none of the records show that this was done. The only repair I see on this is replacing tensioner gasket about 15K ago and I have all records plus the car was once owned by tech who used to work at my indie's shop and if it was doen there would be record.
I just decided to bite the bullet and get it done for peace of mind

86560SEL · #8 03-21-2006, 05:12 PM

I do not have a tapping noise at startup with mine in the front of the engine, but rather a "ZZZRRR" sound as the oil pressure is going up to "3", which is virtually instantly.

I guess this is something for the pros to listen to.

Gary, you are lucky to have such a low mileage 380SE. Sounds like a nice one and worth having the work done, Mine on the other hand has 265K and has the knock and I only paid $1000 for mine, so probably not worth it. I plan on driving mine till it dies.

Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctaylor738

and a weak tensioner will cause a tapping noise at start-up.

Gary Ganaway · #9 03-21-2006, 06:47 PM

Hey for $1K and its running ok and not letting you down, then its a great deal.
Yes, mine is in great shape and is worth keeping it up to speed but now I have my eye on a 90 420sel, with 47K miles. Only it isn't cheap..$12K. All records, 1 owner. Problem is I have put a lot of sweat equity into my 380 and since I have sold my E420, I hate to part with it. In fact, I like driving it better than the E420 but maybe because its older and more of the classic benz styling. I bought my 380SE from the same place that has the 420 Sel for sale. He deals in older benz's, usually has grade B type cars with good records and is reputable...has been advertising on Hemmings for 40 years.

Here is his web site if you want to take a look

www.vintagesalesonline.com

Tomguy · #10 03-21-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86560SEL

I do not have a tapping noise at startup with mine in the front of the engine, but rather a "ZZZRRR" sound as the oil pressure is going up to "3", which is virtually instantly.

I guess this is something for the pros to listen to.

Gary, you are lucky to have such a low mileage 380SE. Sounds like a nice one and worth having the work done, Mine on the other hand has 265K and has the knock and I only paid $1000 for mine, so probably not worth it. I plan on driving mine till it dies.

Good luck!

Remove your valve covers. If you have chain slap, you'll see an outline from where the chain rubs against the head on startup. The longer it's been rubbing, the deeper this will be. This is caused by a weak tensioner and/or a stretched chain. If you have severe chain slap marks, you're not far away from the chain jumping a tooth on your cam sprocket (or maybe even the crank sprocket, which would screw up both sides of the engine).

86560SEL · #11 03-21-2006, 08:36 PM

Thanks Gary for posting that link. He has some very nice Mercedes. The 90' 420SEL that you are interested in is a beautiful automobile and a rare find. I think you should go for it!

The 86' 420SEL and 87' 300SDL are also nice cars, but not as nice as the 90' and the 90' is not that much higher.

I really like that 83' 380SEC. I have always liked those. I am wondering though - the description says that it is a factory "double chain" model, but I was thinking that was not until 84'?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Ganaway

Hey for $1K and its running ok and not letting you down, then its a great deal.
Yes, mine is in great shape and is worth keeping it up to speed but now I have my eye on a 90 420sel, with 47K miles. Only it isn't cheap..$12K. All records, 1 owner. Problem is I have put a lot of sweat equity into my 380 and since I have sold my E420, I hate to part with it. In fact, I like driving it better than the E420 but maybe because its older and more of the classic benz styling. I bought my 380SE from the same place that has the 420 Sel for sale. He deals in older benz's, usually has grade B type cars with good records and is reputable...has been advertising on Hemmings for 40 years.

Here is his web site if you want to take a look

www.vintagesalesonline.com