Help! cam chain

[w211320cdi]

Hi All

Just sold My BMW and I am now enjoying Mercedes ownership with my 211 E320 cdi!

I have also owned a 208d sprinter with the 2.3 diesel engine (same as 308d I believe). (which incidentely has been far more reliable than the 3 year old BMW M3 I just sold!!!)

Any way I'm after your advice please people, any comments much appreciated!

My sprinter has done 182'000 miles now and although it has been serviced very regularly I can hear the odd slap from the timing chain (every 5 secs or so when warm).
I've put a new tensioner (primed) on but it didn't get any better.

So do I...

a.) leave it and live with the noise because its a duplex chain and is highly unlikely to snap plus its a pain in the bum to swap???

or....

b.) change it immediately as when they start making a noise they are on their way out?

also any ideas how hard it is to change, can I just fasten the new chain onto the end of the old chain and drag it round?

Like I said you opinions and advice are most welcome!

Thanks in advance!

Mark

 

[w211320cdi]

anyone

 

[jaymanek]

i think you need to replace the chain and guides, at that mileage its worth doing otherwise a loose chain will cause wear on other parts and eventually break.

 

[Dieselman]

also any ideas how hard it is to change, can I just fasten the new chain onto the end of the old chain and drag it round?

Like I said you opinions and advice are most welcome!

Thanks in advance!

Mark

You definately need to have a good inspection of the chain and probably replace it, they can and do snap.
They can be wound in by splitting the chain, connecting up the new on and rotating the crankshaft whilst keeping tension on both ends of the chain at all times. Then reconnect the ends.
If you're feeling brave you can wind the chain in using the starter motor.

 

[w211320cdi]

Many thanks for your help! I will get a new chain fitted asap. Might wind it round off the crank pulley though, don't trust myself to wind it using the starter motor!

thanks again

mark

 

[Nicholson]

Mercedes 208D

Excuse me for being stupid, I own a Mercedes 208D 1986, the 208D engine is still made and used in the sprinter, would this engine fit into my van?