On inline engines i have put in a new chain many times by myself.
Definitely have a heavy wire (16 ga copper or larger or a coathanger)
on each end with loops beg enough they won't drop inside.. I have
had a locking forceps with relief behind the jaws that I use for
fishing out the chain whenever I let the backside (tensioner) drop.
I learned my lesson, and have not dropped a chain for maybe 30 years.
On the backside of the chain, it is not critical to maintain tension.
I take out the radiator so I can get the crank pulley with a ratchet.
I turn it with one hand while hanging onto the new chain with the
other hand. Every half turn or so, I stop and pull out the backside
chain. After you get about halfway, the weight of the old chain keep
it tensioned. Then you can roll in the remainder in nonstop. You
need to keep the new chain against the teeth of the camshaft sprocket
so the valves stay in time, or remove the camshaft so all the valves
stay shut. The offside, you just drape down the side of the engine.
On a V engine (gas or diesel) you want to have the special tool to
keep the old and new chains under control and against the camshaft
sprocket.
I once had to take out an engine because I dropped the center link of
the repair link inside the engine. Now I always use a magnet to keep
them under control.
As others have pointed out, there is a keeper by the timing advance
to keep the chain engaged with the inj. timing sprocket, and the pan
is fitted so as to keep the chain engaged to the crankshaft sprocket.
Because of this, you don't have to worry about jumping time other
than the camshaft. Allow yourself a day so you don't feel rushed.
You should be done in about 4 hours or less the first time, depending
on how many times you need to go for coathangers and other stuff. It
is not hard. it just requires that everything is done right. I
never use any special tools, except with the aforementioned V-
engine. (M116)
> > dseretakis wrote:
>
> Thanks Peter. Do you think that fancy tool is worth it?
Craig wrote:
Attached is a picture of a cheap version of the fancy tool
someone on the list made sometime on the past.
I'll let others comment on its efficacy and appropriateness.
Hey! That looks like mine!
Oh - it _is_ mine. heh.
It worked well for me. Still have it, ready for the next car.
I was able to do the job by my self.
-- Philip
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_______________________________________
http://www.okiebenz.com
For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com
To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
