half moon chain clips ye gads!
 

I got an Iwis timing chain from Fast lane today for my 86 500/420 SE. I ordered an extra master link figuering to practice crimp on old chain before I put new chain in. I have front cover off so can put chain in in one peice, I decided to do it this way after I ordered parts or would have tried to get chain already put together from dealer.It's a good thing I took off cover as bolts on right botton rail had backed out and were held in by touching front cover and rail was in bad shape.Will post photo.

The new Iwis chain looks OK but the master link
that came with it and the extra one I ordered both have 2 small half moon clips (one for each pin) they look like something that would hold carb linkage together sure hesitate to use these on a 6000 rpm engine any one seen these type clips? any thoughts..........
William Rogers.........

Those showed up a few months ago, so far none have broken. I dont trust them either but, they appear to be the only option left.



Joe

The same C clips came with the new chain for the 560. So far over 7K miles with no problem. Apparently that is all they are making now as I couldn't locate any crimp type masters. Just be sure to mount the C clips with the open end of the clip trailing.

Also note, be sure to keep a clean rag stuffed in the head (if just rolling in a chain) while mounting the clips. They are a tight fit and easily dropped.

These timing chains have come with this style clips for several years now. Even the chains from the dealer are the same. I have installed probably 20 of these chains in customers cars with absolutely no problems.

thank! you all can rest easier when cruising on long trips..........
William Rogers.......

I'm familiar with the diesel chains, so I'm probably wrong here, but I thought the early chains had the two half-moon circlips; then they were superceded by the one elongated circlip that captured both pins on the master link. MB issued a TSB on those clips in 1984, calling for their return to the factory by December of 1984, and the use of the "peened" master link from 1984 on. (this info was for the 617.951) Is this a return to the previous style for a reason any one knows? or have the gasoline engines been diff.?

I called the local MB dealer today and the parts man said they use the two clip links in their shop. The Jwis chain I took off had the single clip and must have been changed in 94 as upper MB rails were dated.Also was suprised to see that intermediate
gear and distributor gear ran directialy in the alum case with no bearing or bushing........
William Rogers.....

From what Ive seen in the past and from recent research it seems that the only engines using the clips on the timing chain are the 116/117 engines.All the other gas and diesel engines use a peened style master link.