What kind of timing chain does a 380SL have?
Mercedes-Benz Tinkering – 380 V8 Timing Chain Inspection The first thing anybody asks you when you say you have a 380SL for sale is: “Does it have the double-row timing chain?” The timing chain issue is a well-known problem with the early eighties’ US-version 380 V8 engines.
When did Mercedes Benz change the timing chain?
Jump to Manuals The 380SL/C 3.8 liter engines came with a single row timing chain from 1981 through 1983 M116.960 V8 Motors. These early 380 models were plagued with chain failure problems so the system was changed to a double row chain by Mercedes for free.
When did the Mercedes Benz 380 SL come out?
The 380 SL was the least powerful of the US imported R107 roadsters, with U.S. models produced from 1981 thru 1985. The 380SL came equipped with the addition of a 4-speed automatic transmission attached to the # 107.045 chassis.
Why are my timing chains breaking on my 450SL?
A chain or chain guide problem is the usual culprit that will destroy these engines. This issue is not exclusive to the 450SL but crosses all engine technology that uses timing chains. Timing belts are far more susceptible to breaking but chains can stretch leading to other issues.
Why is the timing chain on my Mercedes 380SL not working?
In the early days, the condition intensified due in part to Mercedes wanting to lighten the valve train, as M-B reduced the timing chain width by about half with the introduction of the 380SL. This design flaw increased the failure rate of the chains, which had a direct impact on warranty. Mercedes phased the double width timing chain back.
The 380 SL was the least powerful of the US imported R107 roadsters, with U.S. models produced from 1981 thru 1985. The 380SL came equipped with the addition of a 4-speed automatic transmission attached to the # 107.045 chassis.
When to replace timing chain on Mercedes R107?
The timing chain and the various components (guide rails, tensioning rail, chain tensioner) wear out after 100,000 miles and should be replaced. The sprockets should also be replaced. The chains can stretch but they also wear.
What happens to the chain on a Mercedes Benz?
The chains can stretch but they also wear. As each rolling element of the link begins to experience wear it sets up for increased vibration and movement of the chain links and pins against the sprocket surface. As many teeth as the sprocket has, the chain has many more links.
Where is the timing chain on a Mercedes?
Open your oil filler cap and have a look around: Stick the mirror above the camshaft, bent so you can look to the right (i.e., to the front of the engine, where the timing chain runs). Angle it to where you can see the chain (it’s all the way on the front of the engine):
What are the symptoms of timing chain wear?
Common symptoms that your Mercedes-Benz timing chain wear includes poor engine performance, reduced power, check engine light on, and fault codes P0016 and P0017. This guide is applicable to V6, V8, and V12 Mercedes-Benz engines found on C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, ML-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, R-Class, and other models.
What was the problem with the Mercedes 380SL?
They didn’t make the 380sl past 1985. A common problem was the timing chain guide rails breaking and causing the engine to jump time and damage the valve train. Another problem was oil leakage from the cylinder head gasket due to the threads pulling out of the engine block.
Which is better an 84 or 85 Mercedes 380SL?
HiCustomer the 560slwas a better overall car but if you’re considering a 380sl then an 84 or 85 would be the ones to look at. They didn’t make the 380sl past 1985.
Can a single row timing chain be broken?
These came with a single-row timing chain, which tend to break, with cata$trophic results (typically bent valves, basically requiring a rebuild). The solution is to not wait that long, and retrofit a double-row chain. The double-row chains still can break, but it’s much, much less likely.
Mercedes-Benz Tinkering – 380 V8 Timing Chain Inspection The first thing anybody asks you when you say you have a 380SL for sale is: “Does it have the double-row timing chain?” The timing chain issue is a well-known problem with the early eighties’ US-version 380 V8 engines.
These came with a single-row timing chain, which tend to break, with cata$trophic results (typically bent valves, basically requiring a rebuild). The solution is to not wait that long, and retrofit a double-row chain. The double-row chains still can break, but it’s much, much less likely.
Open your oil filler cap and have a look around: Stick the mirror above the camshaft, bent so you can look to the right (i.e., to the front of the engine, where the timing chain runs). Angle it to where you can see the chain (it’s all the way on the front of the engine):
When to change the timing chain on a Mercedes Benz?
Timing chain is an internal component and should not be changed unless the engine goes bad….You have to dismantle the engine to change it.
A chain or chain guide problem is the usual culprit that will destroy these engines. This issue is not exclusive to the 450SL but crosses all engine technology that uses timing chains. Timing belts are far more susceptible to breaking but chains can stretch leading to other issues.
How to renew the chain in a Mercedes Benz?
The plastic chain guides, sprockets, pins, tensioner and chain can all be renewed through the valve covers, leaving the engine in place. Here is a simple step by step showing my first time through the process that hopefully shows you can do it without error. Loading…