'04 C180 Kompressor - Timing Chain Failure?

[stuu]

Hi,

I have a 2004 C180 Kompressor Auto. A month ago the car begin idling very lumpy (it doesn't sound as bad in higher revs) and due to this, it's not driveable (I don't want to do anymore damage). When I bought it, it had the service light on and I only drove it for a few weeks before this issue happened. I recently found out from the previous owner that the service light has been on the past 6 months so the car was severely due a service.

Because it wasn't serviced, would it be possible the timing chain has slackened and this is causing the issue? If not, what else could be causing the problem?

Thanks!
Stu

 

[jamesfuller]

How many miles has the car covered?

 

[martyz]

They are known to stretch.

 

[stuu]

Apologies for not mentioning in the original thread.

There is 102K on the car, it has full service history up until around 90K (i checked the past history and no sign of the timing chain being changed)

My friend looked over the car and said it looks like the timing chain has skipped half a tooth. Now I'm no mechanic so I cannot confirm it - however if this was the case, do I only need to replace the chain or what else is needed?

 

[martyz]

change it it's stretched.

 

[Ted]

Also get the sprockets checked as they will have worn if the chain has stretched.
You will also need to replace the tensioners.
Do a google search for m271 timing chain.

 

[stuu]

Also get the sprockets checked as they will have worn if the chain has stretched.
You will also need to replace the tensioners.
Do a google search for m271 timing chain.

Do you have a link to where I could buy the sprockets or do i need to buy the full kit?

Could the issue be caused by something else, such as head gasket failure?

 

[DSM10000]

Do you have a link to where I could buy the sprockets or do i need to buy the full kit?

Could the issue be caused by something else, such as head gasket failure?

Are there signs of a head gasket failure?

It sounds like it is time for a proper diagnosis from an MB specialist.

 

[stuu]

Are there signs of a head gasket failure?

It sounds like it is time for a proper diagnosis from an MB specialist.

Nope, its not mixing water/oil etc

I agree, however there aren't any in my area and I'll likely have to get the car trailered 100+ miles just for a diagnosis.

 

[DSM10000]

Nope, its not mixing water/oil etc

I agree, however there aren't any in my area and I'll likely have to get the car trailered 100+ miles just for a diagnosis.

Your local garage should be able to rule out HG failure, there is chemical test that can be carried out on the coolant, it detects combustion gases. There can be present before other symptoms so possibly worth ruling out first?

 

[stuu]

Your local garage should be able to rule out HG failure, there is chemical test that can be carried out on the coolant, it detects combustion gases. There can be present before other symptoms so possibly worth ruling out first?

Yeah that sounds like a good plan.

Another question, if i get the car put onto a diagnostics machine, if the timing is out, will it show up as a fault?

 

[DSM10000]

Yeah that sounds like a good plan.

Another question, if i get the car put onto a diagnostics machine, if the timing is out, will it show up as a fault?

I think a Star system can tell this, where are you based?

 

[stuu]

I think a Star system can tell this, where are you based?

Unfortunately I'm in Northern Ireland!

 

[martyz]

If it's not overheating or water in oil then chances are the head gasket is ok,it could
be an exhaust valve/s not seating properly,this will give rough running.first step
get a specialist to check the timing marks on the chain,he will then know if stretching is the cause,
if the marks line up the next check will be a compression test to see whether your valves are holding.

 

[BlackC55]

Also check the breather under the air box. A common fault that makes the engine run rough.

 

[kth286]

general garages do not see and therefore do not know the problem areas associated with your car.

You need a specialist Mercedes garage or Mercedes INDEPENDENT specialist
that is familiar with the 271 engine and it's problems.

Try and find someone from the official Mercedes club in NI and ask them where the specialist are.

Google the club.

 

[jibcl500]

This is possibly what your inlet cam sprocket will look like.




jib

 

[trapperjohn]

Unfortunately I'm in Northern Ireland!

Fortunately you have a few specialists over there. Murray Motors for one.


Murray Motors Independent Mercedes Specialist | Belfast | Lisburn | Northern Ireland

02890 300222 if the link does not work.

There is another one on the outskirts of Belfast but the other way to Murrays. I'm danged if I can remember the name of the guy.

Send a PM to Renault12TS he will point you in the right direction.

 

[stuu]

I got a guy to look at it today, I wouldn't call him a Mercedes specialist but he has worked on C180's before and specialises in building rally cars.

He says there is no rattle sound from the chain and it sounds more like the car is taking in air somewhere, like BlackC55 said it could be the breather pipe. I'll know more within a few days when he has a proper look at it

 

[E270 Owner]

My friend looked over the car and said it looks like the timing chain has skipped half a tooth. Now I'm no mechanic so I cannot confirm it - however if this was the case, do I only need to replace the chain or what else is needed?

???

I got a guy to look at it today, I wouldn't call him a Mercedes specialist but he has worked on C180's before and specialises in building rally cars.

He says there is no rattle sound from the chain and it sounds more like the car is taking in air somewhere, like BlackC55 said it could be the breather pipe. I'll know more within a few days when he has a proper look at it

???

You really need to get it looked at properly.