M102 Timing Chain Replacement Tips Needed
 

I have just acquired a 1985 190e 2.3 (w201)
The car is in great condition with only 113K miles. It looks like that may be true mileage as the car is in excellent condition inside and out.

I got it cheap ($550) because the PO could not diagnose a problem with the way it runs. His wife said it had to go. I took a chance on it, thinking I could find the problem and fix it.

Anyway, it appears to have jumped time
and I want to replace the single row chain. Alldata tells me it is a 17 hour job. WOW! that's a lot of labor. I'm up to the task, and I wonder why so much labor. Just doesn't look like a 17 hr job.

I have searched for threads dealing with this procedure, and found very little info. I also have the alldata worksheet.

Does anyone have any first hand tips I could use to make this job go easier?

Check for broken camshaft!

Gilly

Make sure the timing marks align first, on the crank damper and the camshaft to the 1st bearing. Then check the chain guides and then the tensioner. Chain stretch is usually not a problem with these engines because they are much shorter than the V-8's.

I posted a few pics when I did a valve job on my M103'd 300SE.

Got it fixed!
It ended up having multiple problems.
The single row timing chain had stretched 5 degrees. Replaced it by "rolling" a new chain in. And a new tensioner.
The oil separator in the valve cover had a loose/old hose that allowed lots of oil to be sucked into the intake system. Replaced it along with several other air/intake hoses.
I replaced a bad fuel pump relay, and the OVP&FPR.
The water pump was leaking out the weep hole and had to be replaced.
Went ahead and installed an electric fan and removed the magnetically clutched fan assembly. Much quieter.
Broke the accessory belt tensioner rod while re-installing it, bought a new one.
New plugs and oil change.
Grand total so far $935. Not terrible, could be better. Good thing the car looks so good

Now, I have to deal with the noisy lifters. Lot of tapping going on. Sounds like 2 or 3 lifters need replacing. It has good oil pressure, so they must be clogged with debris or oil deposits.

Anyone dealt with these lifters before?