380 double row conversion procedure?
 

Still working at solving my engine problem in the 82 380SL. I have my engine out and about to put on a stand. Which brings up a couple of questions.

1. Should I be concerned about hanging that aluminum block engine on a regular engine stand? Seems like a lot of stress on the casting at the four attachment points (all on the upper half of block).

2. I may end up replacing this engine. If a donor is found and it is a single row chain I would want to put my double row chain setup on the replacement engine. I don't have all the items off of the front of the engine yet but I am puzzled by how the front of the engine "comes off" to access everything you need to do to convert to the double row. I guess what it all boils down to is "Can you convert to a double row timing chain WITHOUT removing the heads??

Thanks,
Randy

Yes, but you have to remove the pan. You also must be very carefull with the head gasket area when reassembling the cover under the heads.

Thanks Steve. Careful in the sense that oil leaks might result or careful that the head gasket might loose it "seal" on one of the front cylinders?

Any thoughts on the ability of the aluminum block being able to with stand the stress of hanging from an engine stand?

Randy

For the area surrounding the chain gallery the head gasket has to be in effect reused. Its ability as a head gasket isn't deminished but care must be taken as to sealing the gallery reusing the gasket.

We have had no problems, but I purposely didn't advise as I can't see your arrangement.

>We have had no problems, but I purposely didn't advise as I >can't see your arrangement.

I understand. I was merely seeking normal procedure and I appreciate your help. I try to stay one jump ahead of myself on a project like so as to prearrange the alignment of my ducks. It would be great to find a replacement 380 that had already been upgraded to the double row chain.... or find a good 420 to use as the replacement.

Randy

I had no problems with the engine stand on the 380 I just worked on.

There is a dual chain 380 engine and transmission for sale on e-Bay (Florida) as we speak. Last time I looked it was at $250 and no bids.

Thanks for the engine stand information.

Are you referring to the engine/transmissionn in Vero Beach? I was under the imperession that double row chains didn't become a standard in MB sold in America until 1984. That engine/trans is from a 1983- do you think it is a double row chain?

Randy

I emailed the seller on that very question and he stated that he had pulled a valve cover and it had the double chain. He also wants someone to come and pick it up - he is not prepared to crate and ship.

I don't know if you have priced the parts for the conversion, but they come out to $278.

Chuck,

If you guys don't want that engine how bout sending me a link to it. I currently have a 82 380SL that did its thing with a single row. We will fix the motor that we have as it will be the best. Sitting does these motors no good. What I would rather have out of the deal was the tranny. The junk yards get over 500 for junk cores. I try and keep a few ahead. We disassemble them for the expensive items, pumps, governors, clutch drums, and planetaries.

Steve B., here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1872360052

Thanks guys, I got a bid on it.