Barry,

Thanks for your response - I tried all afternoon (literally) to use the dial gauge w/o success. I just couldn't figure it out and a 1 inch lift dial gauge really doesn't help. Frustrating, but I think my problem was I couldn't keep the gauge perfectly still and tight in position - I think it was moving just a bit.

Anyway, I lined up the marks on the cam tower - did this several times and each time it comes out 5, 5.5 degrees of stretch. Before I drove the car to Ohio, it consistently measured 3 degrees... I just thought of something - I rotated the engine using the power steering pump???

I have no idea if there is a woodruff key in or not, I am thinking of just rolling in a new chain - and replacing the tensioner. I have looked over this chain and I think it's the original- I see no riveted link anywhere.

As to the smoke, if it results from timing being retarded, then I need to move the pump CLOSER to the engine as I didn't advance it far enough, right?

ryan

I am planning on driving this car over 3000 miles in the next month - so I am just trying to get things lined out much as possible.

__________________
RG Newell

1984 300D
1972 250
1986 560SL
1991 300CE