M116 Timing Chain?

[350SL4spd]

To pull the timing cover on the M116.982 do you have to drop the oil pan?

i.e: Does the oil pump chain run THROUGH the timing cover like on the M117 4.5L?

Thanks.

-M-

[Tomguy]

The M117 is identical in design to the M116 save its longer stroke and different compression ratios/cam timings.

If you're simply changing the chain, roll the old out with the new. Follow my DIY article! No need to pull the timing cover off.

[350SL4spd]

Chain stretch (or possibly tensioner failure) was extreme enough to gouge the head and the timing cover.

I had my little gauge set-up all ready to measure stretch from the cam as per the MB bible and as soon as I got the covers off I tossed it in the corner. No need

That being the case I want to change all the guides and probably the gears. Even though I think the failure happened recently, I'm not taking any chances. The last SL I pulled apart with this much stretch had destroyed two guides.

[Tomguy]

Honestly, I have yet to see an M116/M117 head without at least some chain marks, and the same with the valve covers. Mine were marked up pretty bad, but timing was only about 1° off on the right cam (dead on on the left side) with the new chain, same gears AND rails. Only a new tensioner rail was installed.

[350SL4spd]

I can physically grab the chain on this one and pull it out to almost touch the head on the left side. Not quite as close on the right, but still extreme.

And I'm thinking that if the timing off enough it might have something to do with my horrible bucking. Hence it only happening under load (driving) and not at idle.

Feel free to tell me I'm wrong. I'm running out of options quickly and would be happy to vote myself off the island...