Hello, I have been trying to solve a rough idle problem, 1983 380 SEC. Its rough with a hot and cold engine. The rough idle appeared all of a sudden. I have checked the Air Filter, changed Plugs, Wires, Dist Cap and rotor. No change. The car is currently at the dealer. He wanted to change the cap, plugs, rotor and wires after I changed them 2 weeks ago!
He now thinks is may have jumped time.I thought he could just check the time using a timing light. He advises he can't.
He advises he cannot tell unless he removes the valve covers and checks the marks on the cams. Any Ideas on if this could be the reason? Also, any idea what a timing chain conversion on this car should cost? This car has been babied and except for the rough idle, lacks no power and does not skip under load or at various speeds. Thanks for your help.

[This message has been edited by worldassoc (edited 07-28-2000).]

81-83 380's did have single row timing chains. We have converted probably 50 or more. Haven't done one in years as its amazing for one not to have failed by now. They rarely went much beyond 100k miles.

I don't know how much the gears cost anymore but the labor is around 25 hours.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

I would doubt a jumped timing situation because it runs so well at other speeds. This engine has a very unique idle air system that uses rubber hoses to inject air around the injection nozzles while at idle to help atomize the fuel. I would be a leak there or a blockage.


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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1991 GMC Syclone
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Don't be too sure. I would almost bank on jumped timing. I had the same problem with my 380SE until I pulled the valve covers and discovered exactly that. Prior to that, I replaced injectors, wires, cap, rotor, plugs, all to no avail. Have him check the timing. I was sooo damn lucky the chain didn't break. Rolled in a new chain, put in a new tensioner, 4 upper rails and it ran like new once again.

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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'86 420SEL
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'84 BMW 745i Turbo

Ahh! But you had a double row chain to start with.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician