timing chain tension

I HAVE A 1977 450SL, EURO MODEL, AND WAS WANTING TO KNOW IF THERE IS AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS? DOES THIS CAR EVEN HAVE TENSIONERS?
ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

THANKS, JEFF THOMAS

[WRM]

NO THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THE TENSIONER. WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM?

WHEN I CHANGED THE CAM COVER GASKETS I NOTICED THAT THE TIMING CHAINS SEEMED LOOSE TO THE TOUCH. THE CHAINS WERE TIGHT ON ONE SIDE OF THE CAM GEARS BUT WERE LOOSE ON THE OTHER SIDE. IT ALSO APPEARS THAT ONE OF THE CHAINS, THE ONE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, HAS HIT THE CAM COVER.
ANY IDEAS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

THANKS AGAIN, JEFF THOMAS

[suginami]

The prevailing idea around here on the V8's is to replace the timing chain and rail guides at around 100,000-120,000 miles.

The chains on these V8's are very long (about 6' long if laid out flat), and stretch over time.

If your chain is hitting the cam cover, I'd replace it right away.

If you don't, it could skip a link and then you'd have valves crashing into pistons, etc.