Okay, I have been panicking about the whole 197k miles and no timing chain replacement on my 84' 300d for a 2 weeks now! Today I decided to do something about it. I bought a handy Haynes manual and followed the directions for valve cover removal. I actually did it! I am very nervous about the disconnecting of the throttle linkages but I think I have a mental pic of how it goes back. I looked at the mark on the camshaft sprocket and the mark on the bearing tower and the two are on almost exact opposite sides of one another! That does not look good?! Right! I really am afraid to do the chain myself but I might with some helpful hints or tips! Let me know what you guys think. Thanks! Joe

Now I am answering my own questions! I now realize after reading more of the manual the two marks do not determine the stretch of the timing chain. These marks are for lining up and keeping the timing of the engine right! How do I check for stretch? I have read about the 3-5 degree rule, but what does that mean? Help! Joe