on 1988 300E (W124). I am still trying to figure out best way to line up everything with regard to putting back on timing chain. How can you tell if someone previously put in a offset key? Is it when the camshaft lobes are between intake and exhaust about 20 degress?

[This message has been edited by Steve190E 2.3 (edited 09-28-2000).]

The cam sprocket only goes on one way on a 300E. It's held on with 3 bolts and located with a pin. Changing the cam timing would require an adjustable gear of some sort.
Regards,
Randy D.

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W.R.Durrance
ASE Master Tech
Mercedes Tech 20 Years
68 250SE
68 SAAB 96 Ice Racer
69 300SEL 6.3
70 300SEL 3.5
81 300TDT

An offset key is just that, offset. Instead of being flat, it is sort of lightning bolt shaped. It looks as if someone put it in a huge press of somesort and started to shear it in half. Thus the part that is in the cam is "offset" from the part that is in the gear.

If you are asking how time the cam. Move the crankshaft to top dead center, align the mark on the cam and put on the chain with the cam and crank in these positions.

Best of luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles