[W126 Coupe] Timing chain and lubrication maintenance note...

[Steve Lemberg]

I don't agree that the timing chain is only good for XXX miles or time.    I am aware of all the horror stories and I changed the chain on my car at 150K miles and I found NO compelling issues.     The chain had stretched about 4 degrees on the right cam and there was no wear on any of the guide rails.   I used Valvoline 20-50 changed at 3-3500 until about 90K miles and then switched to Mobil 1 15-50 at 6 to 7K changes.    The amount of stretch is related to how much wear the chain has and good quality oil changed at recommended intervals is the best insurance in long engine life.   

In retrospect I am sorry I changed my chain, I did it when I was closing my shop and changed it on principal.   I have since formed the opinion that chain stretch measurement every 20K miles or so is the best method to determine when to change the chain.   I am rather confident that my original chain would have been serviceable to 175-200K miles given the wear and trend I noted at several inspections.   Removing the cam covers and checking the chain, guides and oilers every 20K miles is rather painless and offers a wealth of information on top end condition.   

Steve
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Alexander Hochhausl 
  To: 'Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists' 
  Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 3:46 PM
  Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Timing chain and lubrication maintenance note...


  Thanks for the info.

   

  Honestly though, I expect MB to build a motor that can go at least 100K without "major" maintenance. I guess I am too much of a fanatic, but I have never (knock on wood) had a motor or tranny issue under 180K miles (based on MB & Ford experience). And I do run my motors pretty hard - I don't 'race' them per say but they do see 6,000+ RPM on a regular basis - putting local punks to shame! My 560 SEC currently is on 150K+ miles and runs like a champ - god knows I may regret making that statement tomorrow! Before the SEC I owned Mustangs, a Crown Victoria & Cougar, and they all lived past 150K+. But none compare to the SEC wrt. Comfort and performance (thanks to the Supercharger).

   

  I do agree with Jonathan re. not being a case of just mile count. Although some might say I abuse my motors (to a limited degree) I take care of them very well, when they are restingJ 

   

  Be good all!

   

  Thank You,

   

  Alexander Hochhausl, PE

  Tel: 516-909-3794

   

  -----Original Message-----
  From: mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com] On Behalf Of Camran Nassiri
  Sent: Friday, January 25, 2008 5:39 PM
  To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists
  Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Timing chain and lubrication maintenance note...

   

  I replaced my timimng chain and all the rest that goes with it (e.g. tensioners) at 60,000 miles as per Jonathan's recommendation.  The mechanic told me that it was loose and could have gone at anytime.  As Jonathan put it, it's not always miles it has sometime to do with age.  My cost about $1,500
  Camran
  90 560SEC
  91 420SEL 

  Thanks,
  Camran


  > From: c.c.hansen at cogeco.ca
  > To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com
  > Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:26:04 -0500
  > Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Timing chain and lubrication maintenance note...
  > 
  > The engine has been run without oil at one point to cause the initial 
  > damage. Oil has obviously been added after the fact but the damage is 
  > already done and later on the engine blows.
  > It happened shortly after purchasing the car as I understand it, correct?
  > Carl
  > 
  > ----- Original Message ----- 
  > From: "Josh Allen" <heyallen at null-ptr.net>
  > To: "Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists" <mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>
  > Sent: Friday, January 25, 2008 12:34 AM
  > Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Timing chain and lubrication maintenance note...
  > 
  > 
  > > Carl Hansen wrote:
  > >> This problem is not caused by a worn cam chain.
  > >> There's no way a worn chain can cause that kind of damage. At 150,000 
  > >> miles, no way.
  > >> That the engine has been running without oil for whatever reason.
  > >> No doubt about it.
  > >>
  > >> Carl
  > >
  > > Supposedly it had oil pressure indicated up to the point where the engine 
  > > quit, but it wouldn't be unheard of for the sender to have failed. That 
  > > having been said, it doesn't indicate any pressure with the key turned on, 
  > > now...
  > >
  > > I really don't know what happened to it, other than the apparent impact 
  > > between valve train and piston(s?) that punched out the left side cam 
  > > bearings. I haven't been motivated enough to drop the pan in place, as 
  > > I'll see what's down there when I go to install the replacement engine.
  > >
  > > -Josh
  > > The MB Coupes Website!
  > > W126 SEC Mailing List
  > > Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C. 
  > 
  > The MB Coupes Website!
  > W126 SEC Mailing List
  > Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.




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