I've replaced the head gasket in my 95 E320 Wagon with help from the Head Gasket Replacement article - it's a huge help and an even better service - thanks. I do have a couple of questions I need answered to satisfy myself that I did it correctly.
Here goes - First, the intake cam timing. Crank is at TDC, cams are aligned and do not move off the dowel marks and I rotate the gear sprocket clockwise to retard the timing. The gear will only turn 10 degrees or so. Is this correct ? The gear pointer seems to be aligned at the sender unit.

Second question. The chain tensioner appers to be a different type than the one described in the article, maybe mine is a later type. It doesn't seem to be a ratcheting type. Should I install this the same way; the body first, then the spring and plunger and end cap ? However,the chain does seem to be very tight with the tensioner tightened down. I can't manually turn the engine from the crank bolt for instance.

You've reassembled the motor and are not able to manually spin it from below by turning the crankshaft 27mm head clockwise?

If that's so, I'd have to wonder if something is colliding.....valve & piston?

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

Let's start with number 2! The chain tensioner should be a racket type. You should only be rotating the engine clockwise, hence that does not put force on the tensioner.

I'm confused a bit on your first question. Did you install the camshaft 180 out and want to rotated the crank/camshaft combo around to verify correct alignment?
You cannot just turn the crank and go far- the valves and pistons will hit and then it stops.


Michael

__________________
Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E

it wont turn at all and didnt ever you could have the bearing caps on backwards.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks for the help. Of course the tensioner is a ratcheting type. Problem solved.

As for timing, everything is positioned right for assembly, I just want to clarify the intake cam timing adjuster position.

stick your screw driver down in the #1 piston and see if it is really at
tdc...

try wiggling your 1# rocker... it should be tight....

it is possible to think you have the timing right... because there are so many marks... my last month rebuild almost fooled me....


next, hydrolic chain tensioners should be pushed all the way through and restarted rather than just put back on....you want it to be reset and the oil preasure to push it back into position.... ....

now i know more about the m103 then i do the m104 i sent my m104 out...fro rebuild and i did the m103 myself...

dont trust your marks check them with a little stick...