230K Engine question...

[BearFace]

To those who know, this'll seem like a silly question, but...

How are the cams driven on this model; belt or chain? I have recently bought a 100k miler (a 1998 C-Class Sport) and I'm wondering whether there are any areas I should focus on urgently, such as getting the cambelt(s) changed, if indeed they exist...

If in fact the cams are chain-driven, are there any common tensioner-related problems at this kind of mileage, or not?

Many thanks

 

[stats007]

They use a chain with a belt for the supercharger. The tensioners are the problem parts - they fail and the the chain rattles shortly before disintegrating. They should be done before 120k miles as the chain will wear as a matter of course.

 

[GrahamC230K]

I am on 105K and Shude has had two higher milers than that without any timing chain noise or other concerns.

If it srtetches and slackens, you tend to hear them first. If it is not noisy, I wouldn't worry for another 50K!

 

[stats007]

For the sake of £400 I would personally change it before 120k. Not a huge price to pay for peace of mind and a lot cheaper than a new engine!

 

[KLP 92]

Timing chains rattle loads before they break. Trust me i had this 420 V8 with 170k on the clock, and the chain rattled! I still drive the car 15k without any problems. Simply wasn't worth spending £500 on it.
If it doesn't rattle don't change it. If it does chnage the tensioner first as in many cases it will reduce the rattle.

 

[GrahamC230K]

For the sake of £400 I would personally change it before 120k. Not a huge price to pay for peace of mind and a lot cheaper than a new engine!

Nah, new engine is cheap!

C230K Engine eBay

 

[stats007]

4-pot maybe!

I can give you the names of three people that have had engine rebuilds due to failed tensioners and duplex chains snapping without warning - these were all under 115k miles (2 R107 SLs & 1 R129 SL) - but then like you say, some people have got higher mileage, and a 4 cylinder is under less duress.

I prefer prevention to cure myself.

 

[silverarrow]

if it aint broke do not fix it but a stitch in time saves ??
you know the saying i would change but are you keeping the car, tensioner is easy

 

[BearFace]

Thanks guys. The engine is actually a peach; very smooth and quiet, so I've obviously got time and a few miles on my side. I might consider getting the tensioners replaced at the next major service.

 

[Will]

The C230K engine in the W202 is a very strong unit. I'd not spend £400 getting the timing chain/tensioner replaced - rather bank the cash and save it for a rainy day (gearbox, head gasket, MAF sensors, air con faults etc)

If the worst comes to the absolute worst (and I'd say you've got more chance of having it stolen, written off or winning the lottery!) and it breaks (before anything else!) then you could probably get hold of a replacement - lower mileage - engine for that kind of cash

Good Luck,

Will

 

[stats007]

A timing chain failure is an eventuality so 1-1 - not quite the same odds

If you can get an engine and have it fitted for £400 then I best take your number!

If the engine is a peach give it a year and see how you go. If the tensioner is on its way out you'll hear a rattle on starting the car first of all. Can also occur if the car is started and switched off repeatedly without doing any mileage.

 

[Will]

A timing chain failure is an eventuality so 1-1 - not quite the same odds

If you can get an engine and have it fitted for £400 then I best take your number!

If the engine is a peach give it a year and see how you go. If the tensioner is on its way out you'll hear a rattle on starting the car first of all. Can also occur if the car is started and switched off repeatedly without doing any mileage.

Well, there's a 60K mile old engine on eBay - currently at £50 (and I know it'll probably go for more than that!). You could probably get it fitted for a sensible price if you avoid a main dealer. The point is not so much that you can always replace an engine for £400, more that it's not likely to cause trouble

IMHO there are more important areas of concern on this particular vehicle. The owner says that the engine is quiet, and it seems that the money may be better saved to spend on other areas that are more likely to need attention. I may be wrong, but out of the thousands of members on this forum, I've not noticed anyone who has had a noisy timing chain on a 230 Kompressor engine, let alone one that has snapped or broken. If even one did, that's pretty good going to me I think water pumps, MAF sensors etc are more common items needing attention for these cars.

Regarding timing chain failure being 1:1 odds, i'm not entirely convinced - supposing something else went before hand eg, head gasket, rings, valves, oil pump etc? Every engine ever made does not run and run until one day the timing chain always snaps and that's it! Or as I pointed out, the vehicle/engine could suffer an early life before such time that it would warrant replacement (200K, 300K?!) by which time I would look for a replacement s/h engine!

If you are really paranoid, you can whip off the cam cover and check the chain yourself.

All IMHO of course

Will

 

[grober]

My money would be on the head gasket. Especially if the antifreeze was not changed regularly. If it goes that's the time to renew the timing chain tensioner. The old maxim if it aint broke, don't fix it applies. Wait for the death rattle first!!!