Replacing Timing Chain 230SL - A Concept

[mistertj]

What I am thinking of doing procedurally for replacing the old timing chain in my 230SL. Looking for comments and/or potential problems.
1. Remove spark plugs. Put engine at TDC.
2. Clamp chain to cam shaft chain sprocket.
3. Cut and remove link at top center of sprocket.
4. Have two helpers hold each end of the old timing chain while I attach the new chain.
5. While helpers hold ends of chain, I turn engine crank slowly until new chain is all the way around to TDC.
6. place chain ends on camshaft sprocket, insert new master link.
7. Job done!
Note: During threading process the camshaft is never turned.
Comments?

[stickandrudderman]

Well if you want to do it wothout turning the camshaft you're going to have to remove the rockers so as not to have the pistons and valves becoming overly familiar with each other.
The conventional way is to remove spark plugs ,split the chain, attach new to old, have an assistant keep pressure on the chain over the cam gear while you turn the crank.
The only problem with doing this is that you do not adress any worn gears you may have and worn gears will quickly wear out a new chain.

[mistertj]

Yikes!!! Forgot about the valves. Thank you so much.

[Benz Dr.]

What about the chain tensioner?

[badali]

Yes remove the chain tensioner.  I did this job without an assistant many years ago on my 220S.  After you have every thing back together make sure you turn the engine around one more time by wrench to see that you are still top dead center on the cam and crank.  I was one tooth off.  Easy fix but you don't want to start the car like that...

[WRe]

Hi,
the usage of a the "chain loading" tool which prevents chain jumping during roll-in could be very helpful.
...WRe

[mistertj]

Great info guys. Thank you.

[ja17]

Yes, I have used the special tool also. That's why the factory book times are so low, they use all the trick tools!

[Benz Dr.]

I've done this job using plastic tie straps that I ran through the holes in the cam gear.  As the chain ran into the engine I cut the tie strap as needed. I always use a new cam gear when replacing the timing chain.

[mistertj]

Benz Dr. - Thank you for the tie wrap idea. Although I like the "tool" that was posted, I have no access to one and buying one is too costly.
I like the tie wrap idea...lots of them required and it would be a slow process but got the time and the wraps are cheap.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Tom

[Benz Dr.]

Benz Dr. - Thank you for the tie wrap idea. Although I like the "tool" that was posted, I have no access to one, and buying one is too costly.
I like the tie wrap idea...lots of them required and it would be a slow process but got the time and the wraps are cheap.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Tom

If I have a helper we still use tie wraps to start the chain and then to hold it while we install the master link. I always use a piece of wire through the ends of the chain so it can be pulled back out when you drop it - because you will...

[Pawel66]

Even I was able to do it with these plastic straps  .

I think a very important thing is to put some pieces of cloths protecting you from dropping something into the cavities in the bottom of the chain galley.

[Benz Dr.]

Even I was able to do it with these plastic straps  .

I think a very important thing is to put some pieces of cloths protecting you from dropping something into the cavities in the bottom of the chain galley.

That goes without saying but needs to be said anyways. 

[ja17]

If I have a helper we still use tie wraps to start the chain and then to hold it while we install the master link. I always use a piece of wire through the ends of the chain so it can be pulled back out when you drop it - because you will...

Yes, the chain will suddenly tug itself out of your oily hands without warning, then the easy job becomes a big project!

[Cees Klumper]

Have on hand a strong magnet so you can 'fish' a chain that fell into the abyss accidentally (worked for me, phew).

[WRe]

Hi,
there is another tool, a plastic slide rail to lock the chain against engine housing.
...WRe

[Pinder]

i had dropped the locking link to the chain when doing the timing chain. it took a good two days of magnets put through the oil pan bolt hole to fish it out. so definitely rags around the front of the engine is worth doing,