Snapped timing chain on CLK230K

[CraigBEDS]

Nothing about tensioner either. It has had a Strange noise on pull off since I have had it. Done 6-7k in it tho, so shouldn't think that was the chain all that time?
Green Flag diagnosed as Crank Shaft Sensor... Replaced..still no start... £50!
Mobile mechanic said his comp could not go in far enough, but was a sensor issue and needed a better computer... £80!
Another computer guy said camshaft sensor needed replacing... £40!
Replace sensor... £150... Still no start.
Then my dad looked and could not believe it when none of these had noticed the cam not turning under oil filler cap! S I have seen the chain, and it is now in his garden awaiting a decision, but has already. Cost
A lot.
Does anybody know a reasonably priced mobile mechanic who could take a look and advise in the Beds/MK area?
Thanks for tips!

 

[CraigBEDS]

Does anybody know if I need to replace the ECU when the engine is changed?

 

[Howard]

It has done 110k miles, I have only had it a month, .

It has had a Strange noise on pull off since I have had it. Done 6-7k in it tho, so shouldn't think that was the chain all that time?

You've done 7000 miles in a month ?

How long have you actually owned the car

 

[CraigBEDS]

Maybe 6 wks?.
I do 60-70k annually

 

[DITTRICH]

The problems will not be solved by bunging small money to non specialist mechanics or to recovery mechanics. The car needs to go to a specialist independent garage. They will inspect it and tell you how much it will cost. Even if it is an automatic it can still be towed in neutral for a limited distance. The manual will tell you how far and how fast. If you have a tow rope then its the cost of fuel. Frankly if you are doing 60-70k pa for work then any downtime is costing you money so this needs to be factored into the equation unless you have alternative transport.

 

[twobarrows]

Come on, whats the punch line?

Russ

Come on guys, don' tease!

 

[tim.100]

Come on, whats the punch line?

Russ

Low SAPS means the exclusion of certain allegedly nasty ingredients that compromise emissions systems.

One of them, a phosphorus compound, is included in normal oils, as its supposed to be good at lubricating chains....

 

[Dennizon]

My timing chain snapped in Spain on the way to Madrid from England. No noise, just a sudden loss of power. Minimum repair bill to my CLK 230K Auto looking to be £3,000 plus VAT. Mercedes garage says they've only ever seen it happen twice and mine's the second. Full extent of damage not yet known.

 

[markjay]

My timing chain snapped in Spain on the way to Madrid from England. No noise, just a sudden loss of power. Minimum repair bill to my CLK 230K Auto looking to be £3,000 plus VAT. Mercedes garage says they've only ever seen it happen twice and mine's the second. Full extent of damage not yet known.

If your engine is the M271 (1.8L Kompressor), then timing chain issues are in fact quite common at around 100k miles.

Either way a low-mileage second-hand engine from a breakers yard, or better still a reconditioned exchange engine, might work out cheaper.

 

[Dennizon]

Surely the CLK230K is a 2.3 litre, isn't it? This one (from year 2000) has done just 90k miles

 

[jaymanek]

Just swap the engine.. Its not worth messing with.

MERCEDES C CLASS W203 SLK CLK C230 KOMPRESSOR ENGINE | eBay

If you are swapping the basic engine only then ECU wont be affected.

 

[trapperjohn]

This original thread from 2011, just saying.

Real unlucky there Dennizon.

 

[markjay]

Surely the CLK230K is a 2.3 litre, isn't it? This one (from year 2000) has done just 90k miles

Some late 230K engines were simply tuned 1.8L M271 engines (lower compression ratio and higher supercharger pressures), but I don't know if yours is one of them.

If it is a 2000 car, then it probably isn't.

But the question whether timing chain issues are characteristic to this engine or a one-off is purely academic anyway - and the best option is probably an engine swap.

 

[Dennizon]

Though as I say I am in Spain. Not so easy to find and order a change of engine. Y español técnico, que en su mayoría no lo entiendo.