[W126 Coupe] Engine death rattle ?

[Doug Gavin]

Camran Nassiri wrote:

> Jonathan- are you saying I need to replace my timing chain though I 

> only have 58K on my 90 SEC?  I don't hear any noise and the car runs 

> fine; however, based on your comments about the age of the plastic 

> parts I am now concerned if I should replace my timing chain purely 

> due to the 17 years of age.

>  

> Camran

> 90 560SEC, 91 420SEL

>

>

>     Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2007 12:04:27 -0400

>     From: jhodgman at gmail.com

>     To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com

>     Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Engine death rattle ?

>

>     I'd change it Now.  Even if the car had less then 100K, the age of

>     the rails is now a major concern.  20 year old plastic that's been

>     heat cycled countless times is not nearly as forgiving as it once was.

>

>     Also, do NOT use aftermarket tensioners..I gave up on them about 2

>     years ago after I had a number of instances where the car would

>     still slap w/ a fresh chain/rails and aftermarket tensioner. 

>     Genuine tensioners are expensive but worth it.

>

>     Were the car mine, I would not drive it until I had everything

>     changed out.

>

>     Don't forget your oil line clips either;-)

>

>     Jonathan

>

>

>

>

>

>

>         > To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com <mailto:mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>

>         > From: Richard_Hesek at raytheon.com

>         <mailto:Richard_Hesek at raytheon.com>

>         > Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2007 08:36:04 -0400

>         > Subject: [W126 Coupe] Engine death rattle ?

>         >

>         > I have been driving my 87 560 SEC about half time over the

>         last 3 weeks.

>         > 3 or 4 days per week instead of 7.

>         >

>         > The last 3 or 4 times I have started it, there is a light

>         rapping which

>         > lasts as long as it takes for the engine to start. Once it

>         is running the

>         > rap disappears.

>         > This is not a tapping, ticking or rocker arm noise.

>         > It is as though the oil has not reached all the parts it is

>         supposed to

>         > lube.

>         >

>         > The timing chain is original and has 100k miles on it. I

>         assume the oil

>         > pump chain is the same also.

>         > Good power and normal fuel consumption.

>         >

>         > Any thoughts?

>         >

>         > Thanks,

>         >

>         > Rick Hesek

>         > Northboro, MA

>         >

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>

>     -- 

>     Blue Ridge Mercedes

>     Offering Enthusiast Service, Restoration and Modification.

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>     1996 S600 Euro "Scharnhorst"

>     1991 560 SEC Full Euro ECE (for sale)

>     1991 560 SEC 226Hp/271ft/lbs (TT conversion IP)

>     1988 300 TE

>     1989 560 SEC AMG (Mech.lifter/radical cam conv.)

>     1986 560 SEL 6.0L 32V AMG

>     1980 280 SE Euro

>     2006 Z4 3.0Si M-Spec

>         

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Just my 2 cents, We took the front off my 70K mile '90 560 SEC and 
although there was not  much visible wear beyond the scoring one sees 
but  the guides had gotten brittle and a very dark brown/orange color 
with heat and age. I rest more comfortably now and I'm not afraid to 
punch it as often as I can. In the shop at the  same time was a pristine 
white 420 that had 120 K with original chain, his chain had jumped and 
the bill was going to exceed $5000 if no unknown damage was discovered 
once they dug in further. I think the owner walked away from the car. 
Pay em now or pay em later.

Doug Gavin

'90 560 SEC
'80 280 CE