Breathing new lifein the 190E 2.6 (1992)
 

I've postponed repairs until this recent inspection - the 190E passed, so other repairs will be invested.

I have the Mercedes Manual for the 201 chassis. It seems to be missing a section on Timing Chain replacement.

How big a job is the chain and guides to replace?

For other assorted reasons, I will be removing the radiator. While I'm in there I figured the chain is an option

Dirt, grease, and bruised knuckles are ok with me. My fear is touching the chain and never having the car run again.

I do plan to attach the new chain to the old and "pull it through".

The water pump and belt are in my project plan. What else should I address while in there with a 215,000-mile car?

Thank you so much.

:book:

Why are you replacing your timing chain?

M103 engines virtually never require a timing chain replacement.

That annoying noise
 

On cold morning, there is that rattle, then silent running.

I was told once the noise was fuel injectors leaking, but I didn't believe.

Just figure it's the traditional stretched timing chain noise.

Is there another test I should conduct?

I believe that the timing chain tensioner fails before the timing chain. I'm no expert though.

oh - so I could just replace the tensioners?
 

I'm not looking to make big changes, just do what's right to keep the car on the road.

I do enjoy the small size and have fun.

The book suggsts I need to remove the cover, then just unbolt the tentioners

is that an option - then I guess I could inspect the chain for wear, and replace if needed.

I'm also planning some valve stem seal replacement - quart lasts 500 miles.

Is it a rattle or a clacking? Rattle could be the belt tensioner damper, although that would be present whenever you're idling. Clacking that goes away when the oil pressure comes up could be a lifter that leaks down when the engine is off.

M103 and M104 engines have a racheting tensioner, so it doesn't allow the chain to slacken when there is no oil pressure.

I really don't believe your rattle noise is related to the chain.

Please suggest an alternative
 

comment:
Clacking that goes away when the oil pressure comes up could be a lifter that leaks down when the engine is off.

OK - seeme it may noyt be a timing chain thing - is there something I can do with the lifters?

This is a great discussion - tahnks

I will not approach the timing chain issue, this has saved me the $700 feee to replace it or the hassel of fixing it myself.

This forum is great - thanks to all.

The cheapest "fix" is to change the oil, use 20-50 mineral oil rather than
10/15-40 semi-synthetic viscosity.

That may work, if not then you could try an engine flush but this is a risk, older engines have a layer of oil which has "semi-bonded" to the metal and the flush loosens it at the risk of leaving particles free in the system which can then block up vital oilways.

Replacing the lifters is the best and most expensive solution.

Mike.

What's the down side?
 

Thanks Mike65.

You suggested: Replacing the lifters is the best and most expensive solution.

What's the down side if I choose not to replace them - just noise in the morning, or is there damage being done?

I listened this morning - I agree it's lifters not chain.

Well I'm no expert!, but I've read of Mercs carying on for many thousands of miles without problem, just a tappetey-tap tap until the oil has completely warmed up. My top end is a bit noisy at the moment but I just dont gun the engine until it goes quiet after that its fine. Replacing the lifters is something that has been covered in many threads, as far as I can tell its not very hard proberly just needs time and a bit of confidence.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=97866&highlight=replacing+lifters good thread and
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=85460&highlight=replacing+lifters you'll see a comment from Hassman who used synthetic oil to quieten his top end, I guess it just shows no-one really knows which type of oil works best!

Mike.