2.3 Tensioner and chain questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

haasman · #1 05-09-2004, 03:01 PM

The 87 190e 2.3 is probably due for a timing chain and tensioner. I know the head was done by the PO.

I have searched the threads for timing chain stretch and seen some discussions regarding aligning the TDC on the crank balancer, but can anyone provide further details?

When first starting I hear a rattling that I posted about previously but amazingly seems to go away quickly when using Mobile 1 15W50 oil. This leads me to think the tensioner is going.

The other observation is pinging. With the ambient temps above 78-80 F the engine will ping. I am using 91 Octane, quality fuel. I retarded the timing slightly and it has helped, but still pings which makes me wonder if this is another symptom of chain stretch.

What does it take to change the tensioner? Anything else I should change while doing it such as ramps?

Thanks in advance for the help,

Haasman

Laurence Clarke · #2 05-10-2004, 09:15 PM

Hi! What is the total miles on your car? If over 100.000 you might need a chain which is fairly easy to change. If your mileage is extremly high,say180.000 and over then your gears and guides will need to be replaced,that is much more work.

haasman · #3 05-12-2004, 01:56 AM

Thanks for the reply Laurence!

It has about 230k miles on it! So it sounds like tensioner, chain and guides.

What is curious though is that since the 15W50 Mobile1 oil change this weekend it is running much quieter.

What is entailed to change the guides?

Haasman

Laurence Clarke · #4 05-14-2004, 10:34 AM

My 1987 190E started making chain noise at approximately the same mileage. Tried oil stabilizers to keep the chain oiled to prevent dry start up,worked for three weeks out of every month for the next 10,000 miles.
250,000 miles is the most to expect from a 2.3 gas even with extreme care,i would recommend a differntial cylinder pressure test to determin the condition of the rings,and a oil usage check,how many miles per quart of oil. Why? Because the proper way to do the guide replacement and gears includes removing the head (to prevent leaks) the oil pan and the chain cover,therefore you should do the rings,mains and rod bearings also.
If you intend to keep the car much longer you are already close to excessive oil burning territory,woul'nt want to go back into the motor in another 10,000 miles.

haasman · #5 05-14-2004, 09:28 PM

Thanks for your reply Laurence

The engine has even compression across. It has been over a year since tested but something like 175 psi. I was rather surprised and pleased.

I would like to avoid pulling the head at this point. Are there chain ramps/guide that are accessible once the valve cover is removed?

What is entailed to change the tensioner?

Haasman

leon · #6 05-15-2004, 12:47 AM

Quote:

250,000 miles is the most to expect from a 2.3 gas even with extreme care,i would recommend a differntial cylinder pressure test to determin the condition of the rings,and a oil usage check,how many miles per quart of oil.

Ive got a 2.3 with 312,000 miles on it and still going strong, I had the tranny replaced at 275.000, the trick is to keep that oil clean.
it still has the original chain too ( knock on wood). that 2.3 is a good engine considering its to small for the 190.

Tinker · #7 05-15-2004, 12:17 PM

Hassman,

The tensioner and chain on a normal 2.3 has to be a piece of cake compared the the nightmare it was on my 16v. Don't let it rattle. If it rattles there is a chance it will break the guides and then the repair gets a bit more involved. If you want to do the guides, then you need to pull the front cover. If the guides are good, you can probably get by with a replacement of the tensioner with the lastest ratchet style and be done with it. A simple matter of unscrewing the old tensioner and installing the new one. If the chain has stretched, you can fish in a new one with some luck and not have to take much apart. How far off are the timing marks on the cams versus the crank.

Tinker

haasman · #8 05-15-2004, 12:22 PM

Thanks Tinker

This is what I am thinking. I have ordered a tensioner and I have the chain.

I need to check the engine timing but I have not done this before so I am looking up the procedure. I know it was posted here but so far my searches haven't found it.

I think the chain is stretched for two reasons- noise and when the weather gets close to 80F the engine started to ping. I retarded the timing a bit for a short-term solution to the pinging.

Haasman