Broken Chain Rail....help Needed
 

I changed the timing chain on my 190E yesterday. But unfortunatley, the top chain rail cracked and broke at the top due to chain jamming into it. Now I can hear the chain rubbing against it while the engine running. For how long can I drive the car like this? How difficult is it to change this rail?

That engine is a time bomb without the rails working properly. Be sure to get this done now.

I think the front cover will have to be removed. Sorry for the bad news.

Benzmac
 

Thanks for your quick reply. I wanted to tell you that the entire rail is not broken, its just the top edge of the rail (where the chain enters the rail) is snapped. Is it still a time Bomb? The rest of the rail is working. My car is going to a body shop and I will get it back in a few days, but I need it for a 5-6 mile commute everyday. I just want to make sure that it will be fine until I get it to the shop.

still driving the time bomb?
 

I strongly sugges you stop driving with the broken chain guide. if you can hear the chain rubbing, just think about the stress and wear it is causing.

Sean: Is the tensioner rail or the chain guide damaged? I just finished replacing the tension rail on my '84 190e. While I was in there, I saw no wear on the upper or lower guides so I did not replace them.