Hi:
I need help please. I have read everything I could find on our site (and others) but cannot quite find the right answer.
I am removing the head on a 1971 280SL. Before I started I set everything to TDC. So the cam is set such that the lobes on cylinder one are at 10 and 2 and the mark on the pedestal matches the mark on the sprocket. The rotor on the distributor is pointing at the notch on the diistro body and the crank pulley has the timing marker aligned at the zero degree mark on the pointer. So I think everything is TDC? Right?
Much of the engine is already dismantled. Here is what I have removed so far:
--valve train cover
--intake and exhaust headers
--cross over linkages
--injector lines
--all the various hoses and tubes and electricals that run into and out of the head
--thermostat housing
--timing chain tensioner (the tensioner sproket and arm are still attached to the head)
--timing chain guide (upper)
The problem I have is this: I cannot figure out the best way to take off the timing chain. This is not a question of cutting a link. I have read all the forum discussions about doing that process. But I am not changing my chain. I just want to get the chain off the cam sprocket so I can pull the head. Removing the tensioner did not give me enough slack to remove the chain. I am afraid to try to loosen the cam sprocket bolt because (1) if the cam turns I will lose my TDC alignment on everything and (2) I have read in the forums (I think from Joe Alexander) that it is a really bad idea to turn the motor using the cam sprocket nut. All I really need to know at the moment is what to remove next to give me enough slack to remove the chain from the various sprockets so I can then remove the head. I want to support the timing chain in place as I remove the head so that the chain stays properly in place in the lower end of the engine.
If the suggestion is to remove the cam sprocket, what is the best way to wedge the sprocket so that it does not move when I start turning the socket or wrench counterclockwise to remove the bolt (I assume I am going counterclockwise, right?))
Any and all comments would be appreciated. I apologize if this seems elementary but I really do not want to do something that makes me end up having to replace or rethread the timing chain.
Thanks,
Andy
(Honolulu) P.S. When I go to reassemble the chain tensioner, how do I bleed it? I know this is important, and it has been mentioned a lot in the forums, but I could not find any suggestions as to how to actually do this step. Thanks