When Timing chain broke Mechanic says it was from - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 06-07-2002, 03:40 PM

oil pump chain was broke. My chain after pulling the valve cover
was still intact and the plastic that holds it had broken teeth.

I thought maybe my valves wern't bent but accoring to the mech he said 4 on left side were bent and 2 on the other.

He said there wasnt much oilmat the top and says the chain component s must have broke cause the oil pump chain was giving it oil.

Does that sound right?

Plus do you usually pull the engine out to do a valve job? and chain?

He's says it will be easier.

Thanks for your comments

#2 06-07-2002, 03:42 PM

wasn't getting oil to the top thats why I had this problem.

Damn I thought at first I wouldn't need the valves done, but I do

domchang · #3 06-07-2002, 04:57 PM

don't know if its easier but just from having had the top end rebuilt on my 560SL which started as a timing chain replacement, the mechanic who worked on it did not pull the engine from the bay....however, I caught it before the timing chain broke and so no damage to the valves caused by chain breakage.

in the end, the valves were replaced anyways due to other issues.

basically he was able to replace most of the moving parts on the top end of the engine, the chains, the gears associated with the chains, oil pump, and assorted hoses and such without removing the bottom half of the engine.

#4 06-07-2002, 05:26 PM

If you do that you need to replace all kinds of other stuff right?

Yeah my hoses are all shot.

How much did it cost you for the job?

He's charging me $2350 for the works but now he seems to be headind up a little cause of the carbarater hoses and such!

suginami · #5 06-07-2002, 06:49 PM

Is your mechanic a Mercedes specialist?

If so, then I'd trust your mechanic. If it makes it easier or quicker for him to do the engine work with the engine outside of the car, then I'm sure he knows what's best.

If he's just a regular mechanic who works on anything, then I'd wonder.

From reading the techs on this site, I've learned that these cars are really different, and must take years of experience to learn all of the details and knowledge to properly diagnose and work on these cars.

I've also noticed that techs here who own cars of different makes don't do the work on their own cars themselves.

euro 287 · #6 06-07-2002, 07:05 PM

Even with a broke timing chain which several of us have done many times, I dont pull the motor just remove intake and heads , oil pan and then timing cover. The only reason I pull the motor is to do an overhaul ( top and bottom). Otherwise their is no use in it. But its up to your tech I guess. Make sure he replaces all gears in the lower cover , crank and on the cams. Good luck

#7 06-07-2002, 09:32 PM

maybe he believes it best to pull engine?

I didn't know I'm not a tech, but it seemed strange to me.

daddiojiggy · #8 06-07-2002, 10:08 PM

if you feel about your car like most of us(if not all),then these are questions you should be asking your mech.you probably feel like you shouldn't ask him that question or many others for fear of looking stupid or offending him,but ,while it may be a stupid question(i don't know) you can lay the ground work for a better relationship with him where he'll gain confidence in you as you are able to understand more and more by the intelligent questions you will ask down the road.my opinion is that i don't care how stupid i look in the beginning as long as they understand that i'm trying to understand how things work-not that i'm out to take their bussiness.i've even gone so far as to get right in there and help him out.ASK,ASK,ASK!and if you don't undrstand ask him a second time(but make sure you get it that time)

joe p · #9 06-08-2002, 08:50 AM

Ok, well I'm a tech and pull the 116/117 engines to do the top ends. :-)

Reasons? I reseal the lower end as well and find it much easier to get to all the hardware and such. I also do hoses, reseal intake, belts, etc.... Seems to work out pretty well.

Joe

BTW, I have a Jeep, Toyota and Dodge truck as well and work on them.

#10 06-08-2002, 11:56 AM

PKash,

While the engine is out, I would take the opportunity to renew items that are difficult to repair/replace while the engine is in (e.g., subframe, transmission and engine mounts).

#11 06-08-2002, 12:32 PM

he pulled it. I should accually be more flexible other than doing the bottom end I should replace all the hoses new oil pump
chain etc, He quoted me 2350 for the chain and valves etc, if it costs me 3000 or so for replacement of essential items now would be the time to
do it.

Heck it's a 20 year old car it will need things .

euro 287 · #12 06-09-2002, 11:12 AM

Now I am curious, I have done 100 or so valve jobs on these motors and it doesnt take alot to pull the heads. I guess it comes down to the tech , Being on comission most of us will not pull the engine to do a head job , waste of time personally. But I guess if the shop quotes to pull it I would. Only reason I would pull the engine is to do the lower end. It all comes down to the job . Everyone does things differantly so go with what your tech wants to do.