Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: mauro12 on August 19, 2021, 15:50:10

Title: Timing chain replacement
Post by: mauro12 on August 19, 2021, 15:50:10

Hi guys , in a few weeks I’m going to have my car in a workshop for some things to adjust . The injection pump overhaul and probably it’s good time to work on the cylinder head with new guides and possibly the timing chain too .
My question is : is it only the chain itself that needs to be replaced or also the tensioner? In other words, which part I have to buy to have it everything ready ?
Thank you

Title: Re: Timing chain replacement
Post by: WRe on August 19, 2021, 16:32:46

Hi,
usually it is sufficient to change the chain, possibly also the chain guide, in any case the sealing ring of the tensioner and don't forget to bleed the tendioner
...WRe

Title: Re: Timing chain replacement
Post by: Cees Klumper on August 19, 2021, 16:34:32

If the tensioner is in good shape it won't need replacing. Suggest your mechanic checks it when he replaces the timing chain. On the other hand, since it seems to be around EUR 200 for a new tensioner, perhaps you just want peace of mind and replace it when the mechanic is into the head anyway.

Title: Re: Timing chain replacement
Post by: stickandrudderman on August 19, 2021, 17:27:01

I always fit a new tensioner with a new chain.
Pay close attention to the condition of the gears/sprockets. If the teeth are sharp then the gear is worn and it's best to replace all of them, including the one on the crankshaft.

Title: Re: Timing chain replacement
Post by: mauro12 on August 19, 2021, 18:19:55

Our car has 3 tensioners right ? 2 short and one long ?
I realized also that is available for sale a version made by plastic ( very cheap ) and a version made by metal ( really expensive ). What is your choice ?

Title: Re: Timing chain replacement
Post by: mauro12 on August 19, 2021, 18:48:03

Sorry guys but I mis understood the chain tensioner with the chain guide . What is the most common part that needs to be replaced ? Both of them ?

Title: Re: Timing chain replacement
Post by: Figoulu on August 20, 2021, 07:39:46

If i make the parallel with a motorcycle, once the chain is about to be changed, all the linked components are changed in the same round: chain, guides, and gears.
The one on the wheel and the one from the gear box… if you dont do so, then the wear on one gear will use quickly the chain for example. At least this what i always been taught…

But i recognize that the crankshaft gear need to fully open the engine and that’s not the same job…

Title: Re: Timing chain replacement
Post by: stickandrudderman on August 20, 2021, 08:47:55

Quote from: mauro12 on August 19, 2021, 18:19:55

Our car has 3 tensioners right ? 2 short and one long ?
I realized also that is available for sale a version made by plastic ( very cheap ) and a version made by metal ( really expensive ). What is your choice ?

You are confusing "tensioner" with "guide".
Only one tensioner. Guides are pretty relaible and can be re-used if not damaged or brittle (as is common in later engines).

Title: Re: Timing chain replacement
Post by: MikeSimon on August 20, 2021, 12:55:20

Stick:

When you say "later" , do you mean later (newer) production or older?

Title: Re: Timing chain replacement
Post by: stickandrudderman on August 20, 2021, 15:17:21

Quote from: MikeSimon on August 20, 2021, 12:55:20

Stick:

When you say "later" , do you mean later (newer) production or older?

I mean later engines like M116/117, M103/104 etc. as fiited to 123, 116 and 126 chassis
The guides in these engine become brittle in a way that those on M130 engines don't.

Title: Re: Timing chain replacement
Post by: mauro12 on August 21, 2021, 16:46:41

Usually do you replace all 3 guide rails or only the tensioner ?