While I had the valve cover off to replace the gasket on my non turbo 617, I noticed that the timing chain guide rail was too far back in the engine relative to the pin from the tensioner that pushes on it. I could reach down with my finger and pull the rail forwards some. Is this normal, or cause for concern?

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1984 300D
Euro spec, 5 speed
217,000 miles

I believe there needs to be oil pressure for the tensioner to take the slack out.

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1983 300CD Turbodiesel

Are you talking about how the two metal cylinders aren't centered on each other? If so, I've never seen one that was lined up, including my own. I have yet to see an explanation as to why, but I'm satisfied that it's nothing to worry about.

-Rog

I install new guides, tensioner and chain and those two surfaces did not meet with full surface contact. I've read no report of this being a problem though I once shared your discomfort.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

Yeah. I still think it's odd, but glad to hear it's normal. I was worried I was looking at tearing down the the whole timing chain system for a minute there. Thanks for the replies!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

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1984 300D
Euro spec, 5 speed
217,000 miles