'90 300E Timing Chain/Head Gasket**NEED HELP**

flybywire · 09-13-2009, 05:22 PM

How much trouble have I got myself into now! I decided to repair my daughter's 300E's water/oil leak this weekend and I have run into a bit of a sticky wicket. I got the head off and realized the chain has more wear than I would like. So, no problem I'll roll one on when the head is back on. Then I see the rail/guides are worn and brittle as well. How brittle you ask?? Lets just say I have to replace them. The question I have is, can I remove them without removing the engine (yikes), or can it be done just by removing the front engine cover? Will I need to loosen the oil pan and can the pan gasket be salvaged or replaced while the engine is still in the car? Thank you in advance for your help and sound advice!
Tom

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ps2cho · 09-13-2009, 09:18 PM

Yes all you need to do is remove the lower timing cover. If you skip on the guides, the chain will get worn very quickly and you'll have to pull it all apart again.
Pan gasket can be done with engine in the car.

As you got the head off, I'd make sure to flush the block completely. If you have even a drop of oil usage, send the head off to get the guides + seals done if you plan to keep the car for a while. Once that is done and the chain you basically have a bulletproof top + bottom end.

flybywire · 09-13-2009, 11:13 PM

Thanks, psycho! That sounds wrong, but thanks for the help! BTW, are you saying I should replace the gasket or attempt to save the time and reuse the old one by leaving it on? I thought I would have the head resurfaced and guides and seals replaced as you suggested, but what about lapping the valves, replacing the cam and lifters? What about oil pump, chain and guides? Oh, the harmonic damper and pulley. Any tips or advice to remove or install. The car has 149k and honestly looks new and drive great. I don't mind throwing money into such a solid car but don't want to get crazy here. I've rebuilt many engines but never a Benz, just don't want to screw up!

ps2cho · 09-14-2009, 07:05 PM

Oh forgot to PM You with this. Here's my thread over at PP. May give you some good pics.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...d.php?t=241701

broadshow · 10-03-2009, 12:29 AM

You might find helpful instruction on Dieselgiant.com
(see video of timing chain replacement)

BenzBro · 10-03-2009, 12:53 AM

At 150k (Dec, 2005) i replaced my head/exhst gasket, guide rails, spk plugs,distrib cap, belt ten bolt , coolant hoses. I think i might of got a new chain too. Had the head refinished and got new valves.

It took my brother and I a good weekend or 2. It was the first time I had done that. As far as replacing the guides, i think you just need to remove that front housing. I think its the timing cover that ps2cho is talking about. If you can find one of those online w124 manuals that used to be posted, that will tell you how to do it. I had it on my old computer and made the process much easier. In fact, I wouldn't want to do it without that manual. Tells you all the torques and step by step instructions.

flybywire · 10-03-2009, 11:04 AM

Well, I would like to say thanks to all as the repair is complete and the engine runs like new. I have rebuilt many engines in my day and I can honestly say these are very well built machines. The honing marks in the cylinders are quite visible after 150K?? What the.....? I think the lower ends are so tough they can easily live for 500K! Thanks again! I will post some pictures after it comes back from the body shop for "Hollywood's" face-lift!

ps2cho · 10-03-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybywire

Well, I would like to say thanks to all as the repair is complete and the engine runs like new. I have rebuilt many engines in my day and I can honestly say these are very well built machines. The honing marks in the cylinders are quite visible after 150K?? What the.....? I think the lower ends are so tough they can easily live for 500K! Thanks again! I will post some pictures after it comes back from the body shop for "Hollywood's" face-lift!

Great job. Your top + bottom end should be bulletproof now for a long time.

09-13-2009, 09:18 PM	#2
ps2cho MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,391 Drives: 1988 300TE, 1987 260E	Yes all you need to do is remove the lower timing cover. If you skip on the guides, the chain will get worn very quickly and you'll have to pull it all apart again. Pan gasket can be done with engine in the car. As you got the head off, I'd make sure to flush the block completely. If you have even a drop of oil usage, send the head off to get the guides + seals done if you plan to keep the car for a while. Once that is done and the chain you basically have a bulletproof top + bottom end. __________________ 1988 Pearl Grey Metallic Mercedes 300TE - 98k miles 1987 Black Mercedes 260E - 86k miles

09-14-2009, 07:05 PM	#4
ps2cho MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,391 Drives: 1988 300TE, 1987 260E	Oh forgot to PM You with this. Here's my thread over at PP. May give you some good pics. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...d.php?t=241701 __________________ 1988 Pearl Grey Metallic Mercedes 300TE - 98k miles 1987 Black Mercedes 260E - 86k miles

10-03-2009, 12:29 AM	#5
broadshow Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5 Drives: 92MB300D,2.5T	repair You might find helpful instruction on Dieselgiant.com (see video of timing chain replacement)

10-03-2009, 12:53 AM	#6
BenzBro Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 175 Drives: 1990 300CE, 1984 190e 2.3 (sold)	At 150k (Dec, 2005) i replaced my head/exhst gasket, guide rails, spk plugs,distrib cap, belt ten bolt , coolant hoses. I think i might of got a new chain too. Had the head refinished and got new valves. It took my brother and I a good weekend or 2. It was the first time I had done that. As far as replacing the guides, i think you just need to remove that front housing. I think its the timing cover that ps2cho is talking about. If you can find one of those online w124 manuals that used to be posted, that will tell you how to do it. I had it on my old computer and made the process much easier. In fact, I wouldn't want to do it without that manual. Tells you all the torques and step by step instructions. __________________ _________________ * 1990 300CE *

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09-13-2009, 11:13 PM	#3
flybywire Newbie Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Drives: '90 300E "Hollywood", '95 SL320 "Gunner", '03 E320 "Max""	Thanks, psycho! That sounds wrong, but thanks for the help! BTW, are you saying I should replace the gasket or attempt to save the time and reuse the old one by leaving it on? I thought I would have the head resurfaced and guides and seals replaced as you suggested, but what about lapping the valves, replacing the cam and lifters? What about oil pump, chain and guides? Oh, the harmonic damper and pulley. Any tips or advice to remove or install. The car has 149k and honestly looks new and drive great. I don't mind throwing money into such a solid car but don't want to get crazy here. I've rebuilt many engines but never a Benz, just don't want to screw up!

10-03-2009, 11:04 AM	#7
flybywire Newbie Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Drives: '90 300E "Hollywood", '95 SL320 "Gunner", '03 E320 "Max""	Well, I would like to say thanks to all as the repair is complete and the engine runs like new. I have rebuilt many engines in my day and I can honestly say these are very well built machines. The honing marks in the cylinders are quite visible after 150K?? What the.....? I think the lower ends are so tough they can easily live for 500K! Thanks again! I will post some pictures after it comes back from the body shop for "Hollywood's" face-lift!

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