can this engine be re-built after the timing chain tensioner gave out? If so what do you think would be involved, and at what cost.

How much damage was done? You have not specified.
In 1983 (the year of my 380SL) the timing chain was replaced by a stouter one. I believe gears were replaced as well.


If you have no other damage, then your repair might consist of replacement of timing gears, timing chain, possibly also rails and tensioner pls any gaskets involved as with the chain tensioner.


If someone else has done this repair, please feel free to chime in.


I have seen write-ups on the topic for 1982 conversions to heavier 1983 versions. It's worth it to do a little research.


PM if you need info, but a good place to start is the Internet and StarTek

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Strelnik
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1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6

Probably bent the valves on the drivers' side cylinder head.........

At the very least, the exhaust valves are bent on the driver's side. You're looking at a complete top end rebuild. The last time we did one of these, with all the odds and ends it was about $4500 to $5000.

In August and September of 2016 a poster using the name "burtajack" made a number of posts about tensioner and chain problems in the engine of a 380SL, including seeking replacement engines and labor help.
Nothing that we can see came of that series of posts. Now the same subject is again being posted under the same user name in three different threads.
1) Does "burtajack" not remember the past posts?
2) Is it possible that "burta" is just "jacking" everybody on this forum around?

The engine can be rebuilt, but it will be expensive ($4500 - $5000 as stated above). If you did the work yourself (unlikely considering your posts and profile) you could probably get it done for < $1500. It sounds like the rest of the car is in decent shape and if so you might be able to sell it to someone who has the ability to do the repairs or do an engine swap. You probably won't get much money, but that depends on the condition.

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