Okay I'm getting ready to do the chain and guides on my newly acquired 1976 450sl. Some of the directions I've seen here specify the distributer must come out and others state it is not required. Does it need to come out or can it be worked around? Do both cam sprockets need to be removed to access the guides? Also it it recommended to do the guides first and than the chain. or does it matter?
Thanks in advance.

BUMP... Anybody?

Some of the directions I've seen here specify the distributer must come out and others state it is not required. Does it need to come out or can it be worked around? [/QUOTE]

On mine, it made pulling one pin easier. One nut and pull it out. Just make sure you have rotor pointing to #1 position and a fixed mark on the block to line it back up with.

Pretty much. Almost impossible to do with sprockets on cam even though the Manual doesn't say remove them. I see no way to do it with the sprockets on.

I'd do the rails first just to get used to working with the chain and sprockets. Again, make sure you put marks on the sprocket and chain so you can reinstall exactly as they came apart.

I haven't done my chain yet, but the rails were more difficult than I was expecting. Take your time, and be very careful after you remove the sprockets from the chain.

Very important....Make sure you have some good bungee cords and a place to anchor the cords that will tension the chain once the sprocket is removed.

After doing the rails, I gotta believe rolling in the new chain will be alot easier. Just make sure you don't skip a tooth or drop the chain. I'm gonna buy the special chain installation tool in the spring, for $60 bucks I've read it makes the job almost fool proof.

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Well it did not take long to get stuck. Looks like the passenger side exhaust manifold needs to come off in order to remove the rear bolt on the tensioner. Is that right or am I missing something?