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  #1  
Old 11-10-2002, 11:07 PM
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300 sl timing

I've just finished replacing the headgasket. I pre-marked the position of both the cams and haven't rotated the crank. Is there any need to adjust everything back to TDC or can I simply reinstall?

Thank you,
Lyndon Tilson

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Old 11-11-2002, 06:30 AM
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Since no one has given you an answer, I shall wade in-but I know there are folks with more experience with this engine.

I don't know what year your car is, but there should be a timing mark on the back side of the sprocket of the cam.
If you haven't moved the crank and you haven't replaced the chain, and haven't dropped the chain down the hole and there is no change in the fuel injection timing, put it back together and you should be set to go!

You should get a shop manual too, because there are sometimes things to do in re-assembly which are not obvious to most of us.

I hope this helps and hope you get your beauty back on the road where they belong!
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1981 300CD (Benzina)
1968 250 S (Gina) 266,000 miles!
1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6 (Guido)
1976 Jaguar XJS-saved a V-12 from the chevy curse, what a great engine!
1988 Cadillac Eldorado (better car than you might think!)
1988 Yamaha Venture (better than a Wing!)
1977 Suzuki GS750B
1976 Yamaha XS 650 (sold)
1991 Suzuki GSX1100G (Shafty Gixser)
1981 Yamaha VX920RH (Euro "Virago")
Solex Moped
1975 Dodge P/U camper


"Time spent in the company of a cat, a beer, and this forum, is not time wasted!"
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  #3  
Old 11-11-2002, 03:19 PM
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Re: 300 sl timing

Quote:
Originally posted by lyndongt
I've just finished replacing the headgasket. I pre-marked the position of both the cams and haven't rotated the crank. Is there any need to adjust everything back to TDC or can I simply reinstall?

Thank you,
Lyndon Tilson
I'm in the exact same boat as you are right now... I would reccomend that you connect everything and then hand crank the engine to it's static timing setting.. it may not be TDC but I don't know your model at all.. mine is TDC but I knwo some aren't. Anyway crank it around to whatever it's static timing is supposed to be and check that the mark on the cam shaft/timing wheel and distributor is where it is supposed to be.

The next test is to use a strobe to test the timing without starting the engine. Connect an ignition trigger remote and use that to crank the engine and test the static timing with the strobe. I'm not sure but I guess you either disconnect the fuel line or something to prevent the engine from starting while you do this as I beleive you need to have the key turned over in the ignition and the coil connected in order to use the strobe.. somebdoy please clarify this for me.
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Old 11-11-2002, 05:16 PM
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Second 240 Ed.

After the cam gear is back togetherm and while you have the cover off, though, it might make sense to bring #1 up to TDC and see where the cam marks are, and if you need an offset key or a new chain.
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  #5  
Old 11-11-2002, 06:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by ctaylor738
Second 240 Ed.

After the cam gear is back togetherm and while you have the cover off, though, it might make sense to bring #1 up to TDC and see where the cam marks are, and if you need an offset key or a new chain.
How can I check the tension in my chain? I t is fairly new and seem tight when I crank the engine around but if I push on it with my finger it gives and I can hear the tensioner squishing?
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Old 11-12-2002, 09:05 AM
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g

Your chain should rest up against the slide-rail on the right (you are standing where the radiator is) From your beautiful picture, I would say the tensioner is tensioning.

I wouldn't worry about trying to use a timing light before starting. If you haven't messed with the points, it should start right up. Your carbs might be dry, so pour a bit of gas down the primary bore to start the engine.

It has always been a nerve wracking experience starting an engine which has had its chain off. Probably comes from a twin-cam Fiat I had (god, I loved that car...) in which I put a new head and belt on. I forgot to tension the belt by first turning the engine through by hand to let the tensioner settle in. No wait, I did that but forgot to lock it down, that was it.
Needless to say, when it started (it did start), the belt jumped a tooth and ruined my valves.

...Both cams?? uh, what engine are we talking about???
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Ed
1981 300CD (Benzina)
1968 250 S (Gina) 266,000 miles!
1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6 (Guido)
1976 Jaguar XJS-saved a V-12 from the chevy curse, what a great engine!
1988 Cadillac Eldorado (better car than you might think!)
1988 Yamaha Venture (better than a Wing!)
1977 Suzuki GS750B
1976 Yamaha XS 650 (sold)
1991 Suzuki GSX1100G (Shafty Gixser)
1981 Yamaha VX920RH (Euro "Virago")
Solex Moped
1975 Dodge P/U camper


"Time spent in the company of a cat, a beer, and this forum, is not time wasted!"
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  #7  
Old 11-12-2002, 10:15 AM
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Sorry, its a 91 300SL.
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  #8  
Old 11-12-2002, 12:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by 240 Ed
It has always been a nerve wracking experience starting an engine which has had its chain off. Probably comes from a twin-cam Fiat I had (god, I loved that car...) in which I put a new head and belt on. I forgot to tension the belt by first turning the engine through by hand to let the tensioner settle in. No wait, I did that but forgot to lock it down, that was it.
Yeah I don't want to shred my investment... I have hand cranked it and chain is tight.. I think everything is locked down.. I'll check that three more times...

lyndongt
Oh a 91 300sl.. not exactly vintage.. you should ask in the tech forum
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  #9  
Old 11-13-2002, 09:27 AM
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You somehow got into the wrong forum, we are dealing mostly with older single cam engines.

There is an SL forum too, probably the best place.

Sorry we couldn't help, and good luck!

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Ed
1981 300CD (Benzina)
1968 250 S (Gina) 266,000 miles!
1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6 (Guido)
1976 Jaguar XJS-saved a V-12 from the chevy curse, what a great engine!
1988 Cadillac Eldorado (better car than you might think!)
1988 Yamaha Venture (better than a Wing!)
1977 Suzuki GS750B
1976 Yamaha XS 650 (sold)
1991 Suzuki GSX1100G (Shafty Gixser)
1981 Yamaha VX920RH (Euro "Virago")
Solex Moped
1975 Dodge P/U camper


"Time spent in the company of a cat, a beer, and this forum, is not time wasted!"
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