Info needed on 81 Merecedes 300D, Broke a timing chain and cam.

[Skydiver]

I need some first hand information on setting the timing chain on our old non-turbo Benz.

First of all the chain broke with only 52000 miles. But I am starting to think that the shop that I paid to replace the chain 6 years ago only took my money. Car now has 180000 miles.

Haynes manual does not show any timing marks on the injection pump sprocket. The book does talk about using the drip method for setting the timing. In this case the timing is not off. We must get the chain on the right tooth the first try or some how tear it back down to reset the the cam chain.

Yes,it broke the cam in three places. Question is now did it harm the valves?Will I need to pull the head?The book does show timing marks on the cam.

I want to do this job myself,but I am about ready to tow it to a more trusting shop.

Any help will be very appreciated.

Tim

 

[illflem]

I bought a very detailed service manual for a '84 MB, they are available though any MB dealer, forget the Haynes. Be prepared though, mine cost $180, but puts the Dodge manual to shame. It's four volumes each the size of the DC manual, an entire manual is dedicated to the climate control system, the brakes alone take up 500 pages of the drivetrain manual. Also be forewarned that to work on your MB yourself that MANY special MB tools are required.

 

[NOMOFO]

Check out ebay motors. They have a manuals section with about 5 pages of Mercedes. Was doing a search for my Dad's '87 300SDL and am sure I saw something for your vintage. I also understand that many older out of print manuals are now available on CD from MB dealers for less than the old hard copies.

 

[Skydiver]

No good news anywhere today.

My old 300-D is history.

My auto tech says the valves and possible pistons are gone. The car was worth $2800 3 days ago,maybe $3400. A used engine goes for $1800-2000. I had paid another shop to replace the timing chain 52000 miles ago. The guy did not crown the link shaft enough.

I have a 1984 300-D allready picked out. It has a turbo.

For sale:1981 Mercedes 300D needs engine,new paint

almost Everything works. Best offer

 

[Uncle Joe]

the timing marks are not on the sprocket,they are on the pump

chain faiure on those motors is unheard of,possably the tensioner failed or a guide broke,it might be worth it to pull the head(couple hours worth of work) to inspect the pistons&valves

parts for the car are real cheap! the head gasket set is only about $30. 00. fyi seting the cam &pump timing is a snap!

uncle joe

 

[Motorhead]

Dead Benz

Sorry to hear about your 300 non turbo. I have heard of a few of them losing chains. On a good note though, You will be a very happy camper with the 84 turbo. It is the best year of them!! My wife drives a 84 turbo wagon with 190,000 on it and it still never uses any oil between changes. It is a much better built engine inside. My daughter has a 85 300 turbo but it has a cat mounted between the turbo hot side and the exaust manafold. It is de-rated 5 hp because of this. The 84 wagon will run away from the 85 sedan. I work on these and I have seen several run over 300,000mi. and still run good. The 84 will have a much better climate control(simpler). If I can help you, E mail me. ALSO, I can tell you how to make the EGR in-op(better performance and eng. life) Chris