grober
MB Master
Do you mean one sprocket tooth is missing and the rest of the teeth on the sprocket wheel are worn on one side? A pic of the sprocket wheel would be useful. I guess worn teeth means worn chain links and that combined with faulty chain tension might thro the timing off. Whether its enough to allow the chain to jump a link I'm not sure? Your problems are more likely to come from a worn/ wrongly adjusted timing chain tensioner/piston I would guess. See these posts at http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=125330&highlight=2.5-16v
Doesn't look pretty I'm afraid 
In all honesty, it's gonna be cheaper to buy another engine - just for the timing chain, guide rails, tensioner and the sprockets, IIRC, it's around a grand in parts. Those camshaft sprockets are something like £150-200 each. That's assuming the rest of the engine is in good nick.
What's the general condition of the rest of the car like? If it were a minter then I'd spend the money on it, or a good original car - put another engine in with new chain/sprockets etc as a precaution (weakest point on the 2.3s). Otherwise it could be of more benefit to look at another one - I nearly bought a very original 2.3-16 with under 100k for £1500!
Hope this doesn't sound too daunting, and sorry to be the bearer of bad news
Will
In all honesty, it's gonna be cheaper to buy another engine - just for the timing chain, guide rails, tensioner and the sprockets, IIRC, it's around a grand in parts. Those camshaft sprockets are something like £150-200 each. That's assuming the rest of the engine is in good nick.
What's the general condition of the rest of the car like? If it were a minter then I'd spend the money on it, or a good original car - put another engine in with new chain/sprockets etc as a precaution (weakest point on the 2.3s). Otherwise it could be of more benefit to look at another one - I nearly bought a very original 2.3-16 with under 100k for £1500!
Hope this doesn't sound too daunting, and sorry to be the bearer of bad news
Will
grober
MB Master
total rebuild of valvegear.
Now I have seen all the pics as Will says the damage is such that a full rebuild of all the timing gear would be indicated. It would appear the inlet and exhaust cams (not gears) are identical so that might help if you are looking for bits. there appears to be several types of timing chain tensioner design depending on age. see http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...&L=765.902&CT=M&cat=488&SID=05&SGR=015&SGN=01
Now I have seen all the pics as Will says the damage is such that a full rebuild of all the timing gear would be indicated. It would appear the inlet and exhaust cams (not gears) are identical so that might help if you are looking for bits. there appears to be several types of timing chain tensioner design depending on age. see http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...&L=765.902&CT=M&cat=488&SID=05&SGR=015&SGN=01
Last edited:
Ian B Walker
MB Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2003
- Messages
- 7,668
- Location
- Freckleton
- Car
- 300-24, saloon and coupe, E300 24 valve diesel estate
I see a man after my own heart. Works in the drive, right on 
Good luck in whatever you decide. Looks like a nice car.
Good luck in whatever you decide. Looks like a nice car.