Believe me, Tan, both times I had the head off, *I* was amazed the engine ran when I got it back together! ;-)
When I replaced the head, I was concerned about the wear on the timing device cam, as shown in that photo. However I did not replace it at that time. I've seen much worse, and since I was short on funds, I left it alone. A few years later when my timing cover broke, I decided it would never be easier to change the silly thing so I replaced it then. The wear had not gotten any worse in the ~20kmi in between. That part is not cheap, but I feel better with a fresh one installed. I would re-use the old/worn one on a different car if necessary, though. Photos of the new & old timer are here: http://www.w124performance.com/images/OM603_timing_cover/ :-) -Dave M. > ------------------------------ > Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 07:13:57 -0800 (PST) > From: Tan Qu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Re: [MBZ] OM603 smoking ban > > Dave, > > I am always mazed that guys like you on the list can > put an engine together and it still runs! Speaking of > the pictures at your website, I noticed the time > device has some considerable wear > > <http://www.w124performance.com/images/OM603_head_replacement/timing_device_cam1.jpg> > > Did you replace it? > > > Tan