I was checking the condition of my timing chain in my '85 300SD, using the dial indicator method on intake valve#1. At 2mm of lift, I found that the scale on the balancer indicated approx. 16 degrees. On looking at the service manual, I saw specs for "08" and "05" series chains. I checked my cam and found the number "11-" stamped on the back!!!

Do I have the wrong cam in my engine?

Maybe this is not the stock engine. How do I identify it to be sure?

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1985 300SD, 203,000 miles, dark blue

Lil Sarah says: "Poor old Grandma Blue Car...She's sad."

I see from the 602/603 section in the engine subdirectory on my repair manual CDROM that 602/603 motors had a camshaft numbered 11. But these motors have hydraulic lifters don't they? Can the cam from that motor be used in a 617? Any help I can get here will be deeply appreciated. I can't proceed further in evaluating my timing chain without some idea as to the proper crank angle for 2mm opening of intake valve #1.

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1985 300SD, 203,000 miles, dark blue

Lil Sarah says: "Poor old Grandma Blue Car...She's sad."

Not without some modification Ya see, the 603 is a 6 cylinder, a 617 only has five pots. A 603 has hydraulic lifters, the 617 doesn't

From what you've posted so far, and, if you are performing the measurements correctly (the 16° you are getting is ATDC), then it would appear that you have about 5° of elongation in the chain. Probably nothing to worry about but, could be rectified with an offset woodruff key.

More about checking this stuff here.

But first, let's go back a step. Why are you checking the chain elongation? Performance issues? Preventative maintenance?

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

The new cam I bought last year for my 617 had 11+ stamped on the rear.

Six cylinders eh? Oh the humiliation. :-)

This car is relatively new to me and I know next to nothing about its maintenance history, so I was checking the timing chain prior to checking the injection pump timing. The engine has cold-start (<45 deg. F) issues and I am working through potential contributors to the problem one at a time (glow plugs, valve lash, and engine timing so far).

I have been following the debates on timing chain replacement with interest and I will continue to do so. I have a lot to learn.

I am relieved to hear that the "11" mark is nothing to worry about. I will split the difference between the "05" and "08" specs in the manual and get the proper Woodruff key to bring the camshaft and crank back into sync.

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1985 300SD, 203,000 miles, dark blue

Lil Sarah says: "Poor old Grandma Blue Car...She's sad."