Solid vs open timing chain M271

[Robbys89]

I'm in the process of sourcing parts for a timing chain renewal on the M271 engine... chains, guides, tensioner, vanos pulleys.

Unfortunately I lack the MB chain tool to remove and insert the rivets and looking at the cost of this tool on top of all the other parts is financially breaking me considering I'll use it once.

I see Febi do a closed chain kit where the tool is not needed providing the chain cover is removed which I'll be doing either way to replace the balance chain and guides. What I'm woundering is if people here have any experience or heard any horror story's of the Febi closed chains givings issues?

I've used plenty of Febi parts in the past with no issues but their closed chain kit is one of very few I can find that doesn't require the tool so certainly caught my attention

Febi part # 2710500611S4

 

[E55BOF]

I wouldn't worry about it. Febi are good quality, well thought of, and an MB OE manufacturer. I suspect they do a split-link chain kit for the M271 precisely because of the cost of the MB tool.

The only difference between an endless and split-link chain is that a split-link chain is easier to make a pig's ear of when joining the split link, and therefore potentially less strong at the split link than the other links. This is why OE chains on powerful motorcycles are almost invariably endless, and the manufacturers do not recommend replacing them with split-link chains.

Do MB use an endless chain as OE? I'd bet they do.

 

[Robbys89]

Very good points E55BOF, I worry too much! not sure if MB do an endless chain but they most likely be do!

90% of chains i find are all open probably due to the convenience of just feeding the new chain in as you remove the old but that's about it, the lower chain and guides, tensioner etc can't be replaced with it which I wouldn't be happy without doing.

Just giving the issues many suffer with stretched chains even with genuine MB from the factory it has me woundering on the aftermarket brands

 

[Petrol Pete]

I have replaced (open) drive chains on powerful motorcycles many times, on those occasions I used a 'soft' joining link you simply 'peened' the end of the pin over on the end of the master link and Bob was your mothers brother. never had a problem.

Does this not exist in timing chains ?

 

[Robbys89]

I have replaced (open) drive chains on powerful motorcycles many times, on those occasions I used a 'soft' joining link you simply 'peened' the end of the pin over on the end of the master link and Bob was your mothers brother. never had a problem.

Does this not exist in timing chains ?

It does particularly with my m271 engine, 90% of chains I find are open ended requiring the MB chain tool for a proper crimp, rivets are fairly solid too with most universal chain crimpers not fitting correctly or been strong enough to peen the rivets enough