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Timing chain question...BenzBoy
@benzboy
Club Retro Rides Member 7
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Jan 12, 2008 16:37:57 GMT
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How often do they need changing? Just when they start to get slack, or as often as a timing belt?
Sorry for the stupid question. It's just that I've covered 20,000 miles in my Benz since I got it, and I don't know when it was last done... if indeed it's ever been done!
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Last Edit: Jan 12, 2008 16:38:17 GMT by BenzBoy
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bstardchild
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,936
Club RR Member Number: 71
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Timing chain question...bstardchild
@bstardchild
Club Retro Rides Member 71
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Jan 12, 2008 16:40:53 GMT
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How often do they need changing? Just when they start to get slack, or as often as a timing belt? Sorry for the stupid question. It's just that I've covered 20,000 miles in my Benz since I got it, and I don't know when it was last done... if indeed it's ever been done! Chains are normally lifetime If duplex they don't normally ever snap If Simplex then it's not so robust
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Jan 12, 2008 16:44:34 GMT
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There isnt a service interval for changing chains,if theres a problem with it it could be the tensioner at fault. ive only seen a couple broken in 8 years ive been working for merc.
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Jan 12, 2008 16:44:54 GMT
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It's usually the tensioners that give up, causing it to rattle and become slack - then you get problems.
Like curse word says, chains are pretty tough....
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Jan 12, 2008 17:12:53 GMT
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Chains were always supposed to be for a lifetime, unfortunately thats not always the case. Ford DOHC engines are a case in point they can and do snap at any time over 100K. My dads snapped at 180,000. Regular oil changes throughout the engine life certainly help. On your engine though if its not rattling it should be okay. If it is rattling then fit a V8 instead
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rob0r
East of England
Posts: 2,743
Club RR Member Number: 104
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Timing chain question...rob0r
@rob0r
Club Retro Rides Member 104
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Jan 12, 2008 17:34:10 GMT
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It's usually the tensioners that give up, causing it to rattle and become slack - then you get problems. Something I can relate to, both my BMW 318is engines need serious attention because of the timing gear being worn
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E30 320i 3.5 - E23 730 - E3 3.0si - E21 316 M42 - E32 750i ETC
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Timing chain question...BenzBoy
@benzboy
Club Retro Rides Member 7
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Jan 12, 2008 19:27:55 GMT
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Thanks guys! If they're supposed to last a lifetime, then I'll bet MB designed it to last two! It's a duplex chain too so should be OK. There's no rattling from the chain, I do know that the tensioners on some Merc engines go brittle over time though, so I'll keep an eye (ear) on that.
I had thought that they never needed changing, but I didn't want to be one of those muppets stood at the side of the road with a popped engine saying "but I didn't think it ever needed changing" ;D
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Dez
Club Retro Rides Member
And I won't sit down. And I won't shut up. And most of all I will not grow up.
Posts: 11,784
Club RR Member Number: 34
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Timing chain question...Dez
@dez
Club Retro Rides Member 34
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Jan 12, 2008 19:44:11 GMT
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dean, is the motor in your benz totally stock?
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Jan 12, 2008 20:47:19 GMT
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I had thought that they never needed changing, but I didn't want to be one of those muppets stood at the side of the road with a popped engine saying "but I didn't think it ever needed changing" ;D Unfortunately thats what does end up happening from time to time.
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Timing chain question...BenzBoy
@benzboy
Club Retro Rides Member 7
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Jan 12, 2008 22:33:54 GMT
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dean, is the motor in your benz totally stock? Almost. It's got a K&N, and I've binned the viscous fan. Oh and a freer flowing exhaust. Other than that, bone stock yeah. I might be doing some tweaks in the near future if time and money co-incide at any point.
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Jan 12, 2008 23:39:14 GMT
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Dean i wouldnt bank on it lasting a lifetime, the chains in the old 308D's and the early sprinters normally need changing around 200000 mles. They start to stretch and throw the timing out, you can normally hear them rattling too. Easy job to do though, as long as you can get hold of a peening tool.
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Timing chain question...BenzBoy
@benzboy
Club Retro Rides Member 7
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Ah, OK. I'm just coming up to 100,000 miles in my Benz... no rattles or anything yet. I take it they start to get noisy rather than just snap? I've heard of them snapping but that's fairly rare isn't it?
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It'll get noisey before it snaps, because the tensioner wont be able to take up the slack anymore. You'll also notice that when your cam is lined up with the timing mark the crank will be a few degrees after OT. With 100,000 on the clock though i don't think you need to worry about it too much for a while
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Dez
Club Retro Rides Member
And I won't sit down. And I won't shut up. And most of all I will not grow up.
Posts: 11,784
Club RR Member Number: 34
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Timing chain question...Dez
@dez
Club Retro Rides Member 34
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Jan 13, 2008 13:08:28 GMT
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dean, is the motor in your benz totally stock? Almost. It's got a K&N, and I've binned the viscous fan. Oh and a freer flowing exhaust. Other than that, bone stock yeah. I might be doing some tweaks in the near future if time and money co-incide at any point. # so youre gunna tune the stocker now rather than going the v8 route? i have some plans for mine that involve tubular manifolds and bike carbs, we'll have to compare notes
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Timing chain question...BenzBoy
@benzboy
Club Retro Rides Member 7
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Jan 13, 2008 13:16:01 GMT
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Yeah, I really don't have the time, space or money to put into a full-on transplant at the moment. I'll see what I can get from the original lump as at least it won't be off the road for weeks this way (it's my only car at the moment).
Your idea sounds good! I take it you have the siamese port head the same as me - not ideal for carb options but you could run a pair of bike carbs!
I've got a Monty Turbo SU, turbocharger and associated gubbins that I'd like to attach. I've not said much about it as I'm not sure if I'll get around to doing it any time soon. The plans are all there though, and 99% of the parts. I just need the time!
It was the reason for my question about the timing chain though - I want the thing to be in good health before I start asking more from the engine.
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