More 420 timing questions

[mihai914]

No1.
I'd like to check out the timing on the car but the MB manual doesn't show how to properly do it with a stroboscopic gun. All I saw was something with dials and adjusting timing on the head itself.
2.Is there a way to visually inspect the plastic guides by simply removing the head cover.
3.And since the 420 engine is very close to the 560, why does it seem that the 560 is less prone to timing chain problems, would it be an upgrade to do to the 420.

[Benzmac]

The timing on the 420 and 560 is not adjustable. I know the distributor has a slot there, but if you will notice, there is no pickup in the distributor housing to change the timing. The distributor in the application is for high voltage distribution ONLY.

The rails on the 420 and 560 are of the same composition. I don't know why they do not break as often in the 560?

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

[stevebfl]

There isn't as many 560's as 420's that why there is a difference in chain failures.

Chain failures have been the same in single cam V8s since the beginning of time. The rails petrify after time and cause the same problems on all these models. The length of the chain makes no difference.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician