Camshaft timing on '85 380SL

[earnest37]

I have my daughter’s 380SL V8 in my shop after it was removed from the car and disassembled by a “less than experienced” mechanic. This is the 116.96 engine. I now have it on an engine stand with just the block, crank, rods and pistons still intact. Seems the timing chain somehow became askew and bent nearly every valve in the driver’s side head. Had the heads redone by a reputable shop with MB experience. Relace all valves in driver’s side head. Shop said valves in other head were fine but I had them replace all 16 valve guides. Also found a chipped tooth on the intermediate gear and what appeared to be slight wear on the return gear. Ordered both new from MB (ouch). The timing chain was apart when I got the engine but appears to be in good shape. Have yet to find the “repair” link but maybe the “mechanic” can remember where he put it. Might replace the chain if expert advice suggests I do so. I’ve also ordered all new rails (6 of em) for the timing chain mechanism since those in the engine (85k on odometer) showed some wear. Although I have a printed manual on this engine I can find no section which details how to static time the cams. The only advice is to mark the chain and gears before disassembly but this engine was in parts when I got it. Does anyone know exactly how to properly align the cams during reassembly? I know the crank has to be at TDC but I can find nothing in the manual on the necessary position of the cam gears. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[rs899]

There are marks on the cam towers and on the cams. They are , IMO, kind of hard to notice unless you are looking for them

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M117TimingChain

You will see them in this thread. You might want to search for similar threads here , on Benz World, or W116.org

[rs899]

Here's another good one...

http://www.topklasse.net.au/forums/showthread.php?p=28565