|
First the "proper" way to check it, which is going to sound scary and I WAS scared to try it:
Remove the cap of the tensioner, this will be under tight spring tension as you probably know since you replaced it once. On the part that ratchets into the outer housing, you'll need to HOLD that in tight with oh whatever works that's sturdy. I guess a screwdriver or a punch, THEN have someone either start or just crank the engine and see if oil comes out of the tensioner. If not, you've found your problem, the one I did not a single drop came out of that tensioner.
On the one I did, which btw was a 300CE with the 104 like yours, I had to take the front timing cover off, big job. Owner was one happy dude though! Took it to Milwaukee to a dealership with the typical "great German MB mechanic with the German dialect and name". His advice? Motor Honey-type oil treatments, thanks alot Guenther or whatever yer name is. OK was also at 2 well-known European-only repair shops in central WI. Neither had a clue. Would have this chain-rattle noise, it was more noticeable up around 3500 rpm or so. There is a passage in the front cover that goes from the front of the block, through a port in the front cover and into the tensioner bore. The tensioner is designed to allow passage from the bore itself into the tensioner (through an open space in the outer part of the tensioner IIRC, study the tensioner and you'll see what I mean). MORE than likely if this is keeping oil out, as this one did, there is probably quite a bit in the galley somewhere holding the oil back, not just in the cover. But before starting working on the cover, sure find the small oil hole going to the bore and see if you can clear it. Someone probably resealed the timing cover and got a bunch into the galley hole, gotta be careful where you goop that stuff! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Gilly
PS: If you remove that outer cap and no oil comes out, probably found it, but I'd still want to crank the engine with the cap off, but use a tool as I mentioned to simulate the spring tension just to be sure you don't jump time.
Last edited by Gilly; 08-16-2006 at 06:05 PM.
|