DaveCT,

So I take it what is happening is the chain stretch is collected between the sprockets and there is not much I can do about it and maintain the factory timing. It appears to be a fraction of a link off, and I cannot keep it tight enough as once the springs on the valves are active, they push the camshaft around within the play of the chain stretch. So, I will put it together and fire it up. Yesterday and today were very hot, and I am exhausted. I still have a radiator coming and have a few dozen little items to screw back on the head and block. Looks like the weekend after the fourth to be all done. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)