I replaced the timing chain upper guides today. I think the chain and guides have been previously replaced and the last person to change them got them in wrong.

Everything I had read prior to changing the guides, said I would have two guides that are the same size (one in each head) plus a shorter guide in the left head. What I found was two long guides in the left head and the short guide in the right. After rechecking the manual, I followed what the manual said, not what I was seeing at the engine.

Here is a picture of the old guides, both longer guides were in the left, the almost black one (shorty) was in the right.



I feel better following the book, but have to ask if there can be any fallout, or was the PO (and now me) just extremely lucky? I haven't rotated the engine yet, I figure I'll put the tensioner back in and roll it through a revolution or two before rolling in the chain.

Any other suggestions?

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.