I like Robby's idea of a Driveway DIY. If Fintail Fan could get the car to Northern Virginia, I would even host it in my garage, complete with air ratchet and engine hoist. My motive is not altogether altruistic, as I want to do a valve job on my 300E, and would love to see all the trouble spots (on someone else's car).

What d'ya say?

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Jim

"Can you explain the procedure for bleeding/tensioning the timing chain?"

No, I can't be specific about the '92 300TE. It is different on different models and I don't have the manaul for the 300 engine. The M103 engine has a hydraulic chain tensioner which must be opened or removed to loosen the timing chain to remove the cylinder head. Proper reassembly is critical. With some models it is possible to reassemble the unit with the piston to far forward in the tension position as opposed to the assembly position. Also, since they are hydraulic, one needs to insure that the air is bleed from the unit.

If the tensioner is not right it is possible that within a couple miles of driving the car the slack in the timing chain can will cause the cam gear to slip a cog or two or more until the valves impact the pistons. The result is several bent valve stems and then one is facing about a $3000 rebuild.

Wouldn't I love to . . . . However, putting aside the fact that I don't have the time to do a fun project like that, I don't know if the car would make it there without a burst radiator hose or two given what everyone here has said. Thanks for the generous offer anyway though! But, if there is someone from Connecticut, or South Western Massachusetts with a heated garage that's willing to make the same offer, I'd like to talk with them . . . . but even if not, maybe they know a reputable MB mechanic who they'd recommend to do the job instead?