[b]NEED ADVICE ON V8 CHAIN REPLACEMENT[/B] - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

afmcorp · #1 01-25-2003, 05:33 AM

hello everybody

well i've decided to spend the 50 extra bucks and replace the chain. i'm doing chain rail, cam and rocker arms, tensioner, hoses, belts, voltage regulator, fuses, wood dash refinishing, leatherique, carpet and floor mats. so i figure that i'm there so why not.

so i have been studying on the rail issues for some time now and i figure i got that down fairly clear (and also with that super pictorial instruction that thomaspin shared with us). what i would like to find out is how or what i should be watching for.

what i think should happen is... crack a link in the existing chain attach new chain and with the crank bolt roll in the new chain.

does that sound about right? or are there some super tricks i should know.

thanks for all the help.

psfred · #2 01-25-2003, 03:02 PM

The job isn't too hard with two people (so you can keep the chain in contact with the cam gear at all times. Very simple with the nice little plastic guide that fits over the cam sprocket -- that makes it a one man operation!

You will need a means of grinding off the pins on a link -- there is no master link -- and a means of swaging the new link in place properly. The best tool is the official MB tool (it can be rented, search on the subject for sources), but you can also improvise with a body dolly and a ball peen hammer. Some people use a "master link" with spring clips, but I won't.

Peter

afmcorp · #3 01-25-2003, 10:37 PM

hi

thanks peter

well if i do this job at the right time i would have a couple of extra hands to help, and i've got all the tools except that plastic guide you mention. i did find this on performance magazine's website...

http://www.************************/ProductPage.aspx?productname=Chain+Installation+Guide&productid=101464&producttype=20

this tool is suppose to make chain installation a one man job. i've studied on this job and engine but i'm having a bit of a problem figuring out how this functions.

that plastic tool you mentioned Peter where might i look at it. website???

but the key is once you've cracked the chain and attached the new chain to the old chain you keep it in contact with the cam gears right?

ain't this forum just great.
thanks
craig

psfred · #4 01-26-2003, 10:19 AM

The installation "tool" is a plastic cover that fits over the cam sproket, and has a slot in it where you break the chain. It holds the chain on both sides of the break, and has a lip that guides the old chain out. Very spiff.

Makes life somewhat easier for the mechanic -- my mechanic says it cuts at least half an hour off the time required.

I suspect the preformance products part is the same or similar.

Peter

MikeTangas · #5 01-26-2003, 12:04 PM

In the absence of a chain guide, one can use copious amounts of zip ties to keep the chain in contact with the cam. When I did the chain on the 560, I didn't like the way my 10mm fit in the cam tower bolts and didn't want to strip one. Instead of the guide I used samll zip ties to keep the infeed of new chain and the outfeed of old chain in contact with the cam. Probably adds about 15 minutes to the job.

I did attempt to just keep the infeed in contact by hand, but the outfeed is just as important. Very easy to jump time if the chain isn't in contact with the cam from both sides.