M271 Timing chain alignment tool

[Lyserman]

As I intend to renew the timing chain om my C180 I have been trying to source the clamp that holds the chain against the sprockets whilst the old chain is being replaced by the new.
I can get them from the USA but seem to be drawing a blank anywhere closer.
I thought I had cracked it when I found the right tool on a UK website but after a few phone calls the trail has gone cold.
Can any of the resident experts on here point me in the right direction or have you managed the job without the tool?

Thanks,

Tony

 

[Dieselman]

Can you get long nosed molegrips on?

 

[E270 Owner]

Cable ties

 

[WG M-B]

That tool you talk about can actually be made quite easily.

 

[mbenz1]

I have asked this before but no avail... What price roughly do mercedes specialist and mercedes dealer charge to change the timing chain on the W203/W204 1.8 Kompressor engines (non blue-efficiency). I have learnt that the timing chain is circa £150 from mb dealer.

 

[Lyserman]

The chain is £136 from a dealer and am still waiting to hear from my local indie as to the cost of fitting a supplied chain.
All the above suggestions are dependant upon being able to get the nose of the molegrips onto the chain and sprocket as is using ty-wraps (Haynes suggestion).
Until I get the cover off I do not know if any of these methods will work.
Making a tool is easy if you have to necessary tooling handy.
In the meantime I am still on the hunt for the right tool.

Tony

 

[mersum1es]

Gates have some tools:
Gates Automotive Tools - Tools - Products | Gates Corporation

 

[shorty]

When I replaced the chain on my last E class with a 271 engine I did use any special tools , there is aligment marks on the head and crank pully .
The alternator needs to be removed to access the tensioner , and a new rubber bung is need to replace the one that covers the tensioner . I marked the top of the alternator as it can be bolted on upside down

 

[WG M-B]

When I replaced the chain on my last E class with a 271 engine I did use any special tools , there is aligment marks on the head and crank pully .
The alternator needs to be removed to access the tensioner , and a new rubber bung is need to replace the one that covers the tensioner . I marked the top of the alternator as it can be bolted on upside down

But it's very difficult to wind the chain on without removing the cams. The tool the op talks about holds the chain to the sprockets whilst winding the new chain on without removal of the cams

 

[Dieselman]

Can't the chain be held tight over the cam sprocket while the crank is wound round?

 

[WG M-B]

Can't the chain be held tight over the cam sprocket while the crank is wound round?

Yes is can but its a real pita

 

[WG M-B]

The tool is not hard to make out of a piece of metal!!!!!!

 

[Dieselman]

Yes is can but its a real pita

For two people?

The tool is not hard to make out of a piece of metal!!!!!!

My recollection is that it is just a guide that acts to hold the chain down onto the sprocket.

 

[WG M-B]

That's it!
We found trying to wind it on is much more awkward than any of the older engines

 

[shorty]

I did have the cams removed as I also changed both sprockets . Too feed in the new chain I simply joined old to new with some fishing line and pulled it round the crank sprocket

 

[Dieselman]

We found trying to wind it on is much more awkward than any of the older engines

Hold on tight and use the starter motor.

 

[WG M-B]

I'll tell the boys to give it a go

 

[Lyserman]

I have asked this before but no avail... What price roughly do mercedes specialist and mercedes dealer charge to change the timing chain on the W203/W204 1.8 Kompressor engines (non blue-efficiency). I have learnt that the timing chain is circa £150 from mb dealer.

Just heard back from the local indie and they quote £250 +vat if I supplied the chain. They also recommend renewing the tensioner and of course checking the sprockets.

 

[mbenz1]

Just heard back from the local indie and they quote £250 +vat if I supplied the chain. They also recommend renewing the tensioner and of course checking the sprockets.

Thanks for this info

 

[Lyserman]

Timing tool and chain guide finally sourced in the eu and on order.
Will post pics when it arrives if anyone is interested.

Tony