can you purchase a "master link" for the chain, in books i have it shows timing chain and a link but not the link by itself, are they a metric chain or are they all same,,,, and what size or # is the chain, this is a single row- 87 2.3

Do you have a Renolds Chain ( or similar) chain supplier near you? ,get a measurement of the chain,and just ask for the joining link to fit that size.It's a common size ( 3/8 i think) and as i have found,it's easier to buy a Quality chain from a supplier than buy a timing chain from Mercedes or other Supplier.

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1M30LAGSC1TI0NGM75&year=1987&make=MB&model=190-E-004&category=A&part=Timing+Chain+Link

000 997 0598, single timing chain link. Any MB dealer or eruo parts house should get this to you no problem. List price is 6.00

thanks for the response, ill call the dealer in lexington, ky. tommorrow, also will stop by the a local mining supply.

if you buy it from the dealer it will be a crimp type link, this type doesn't have clips that hold it in place, it has to be peened over to hold, there is a special tool available, but some old timers here say to do it with a hammer.

i have a crimp type link but dont trust myself with the hammer

Thats a pretty good idea not using a hammer. After all, it just keeps everything timed.
Chuckle chuckle, a hammer.

i agree, i too have the tool and would not think of doing any of my cars using the hammer method. there was a thread some where by a guy, i think his name was bible or something like that who mentioned using a hammer. i actually loaned my tool to a local member here in san diego to do his chain. so if any one in this area need one send me an email

does anybody have any exhaust valves for 87 2.3 8 valve put away for a rainy day, or a double sprocket cam gear and head bolts, working on another engine soon other than the 87?