Timing chain-when to replace it?

[djoyce93]

I just bought a 300sl with 66000 miles on it. I've seen a lot of mention of the timing chain,chain tensioners and guide rails. At what mileage does this need to be done and does it even apply to the 3.0 L 6 cylinder engine?
Thanks guys!

[meltedpanda]

really need to measure stretch. There are some tell tale warning signs - noise
but at 66K , if the car had good maintenace - should be fine. I could be wrong but I seem to recall , less of an issue on this engine. BTW - nice car

[djoyce93]

Thank you, it took a lot of searching to find it. I wanted the 300 because it's a six cylinder, has more horsepower than the 380, it's faster, and gives way better fuel economy!

[rowdie]

You missed a beautiful 280SL 5 speed in Barrie, Ont. But he did want 20K for it.

[abiby]

Originally Posted by djoyce93

I just bought a 300sl with 66000 miles on it. I've seen a lot of mention of the timing chain,chain tensioners and guide rails. At what mileage does this need to be done and does it even apply to the 3.0 L 6 cylinder engine?
Thanks guys!

Since there are so few 300SL 107s, you might have better luck with engine questions on a different forum. Maybe the 124 forum???

Not that we'd hesitate to give our opinions regardless.

For any other questions about your new SL, this is the place to be.

[meltedpanda]

please dont hurt me more by telling me its a 4/5 speed

[djoyce93]

No it's an automatic with only 66,000 miles on it. I'm getting it for $12000.I think that's a pretty good deal!

[DANSMB]

What year? Most 6 cyl 300E and 300SEs never need a chain and I think you have the same M130 or M104 engine.

Dan

[djoyce93]

It's an '86. You mean they NEVER need replacing at all?

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by djoyce93

It's an '86. You mean they NEVER need replacing at all?

Since the experts are here, what's the prognosis on an 83 380SL with about 50K on it, rarely used these past several years, maybe 300 miles / year. Oil changed yearly most other maintenance done.

I'm baselining it for maintenance and gonna everything.

Still would like to know.
Thanks

[rowdie]

The v-8s are more susceptible to failure. Mainly the guides which are plastic and age over time and mileage. Also the tensioner weakens over time.
Your 380 has a unique problem as it was born with single row chain. (Unless it is a euro 380) With regular use I think it is recommended that the chain and guides be checked every 30,000 and replaced at 100,000. The single row needs to be checked more often for stretch.

[samiam44]

He called it a 300sl so it's a 6 cylinder and not a V8 with a single row. The M103 engines are VERY reliable with timing chains. Doubt you'll have a problem for a long long time. Go till you need a headgasket or camshaft.. then assess condition at that time.

M

[meltedpanda]

agree, most of the inlines 200K plus, Have heard of over 300K

My 72 450 has 140K on it , no slack, no clatter, gives me no reason to go any further.

[rowdie]

Originally Posted by samiam44

He called it a 300sl so it's a 6 cylinder and not a V8 with a single row. The M103 engines are VERY reliable with timing chains. Doubt you'll have a problem for a long long time. Go till you need a headgasket or camshaft.. then assess condition at that time.

M

If you read the thread I was refering to the post above mine regarding the 380SL.

Panda don't touch it but do keep an eye and ear on it. You know you have the metal guides with the fiber or whatever covering. They don't break like the plastic ones you would have to replace them with. The tensioner is probably more of a problem with yours.

[meltedpanda]

Oh yes I see, the 380's did have the single chain.
when I did the valve lash on mine the chains looked and measured tight as a tick, I listen now at every start. I have some sketchy service history from the 80's there is mention of guide work being done, I may in fact have the plastic ones now, not sure. on the Tensioner - same symptoms when going south??