380SE timing chain is it hard to replace?????? - Benzworld.org

midnight0000 · 12-29-2003, 01:46 AM

I have to cchange my water pump so would now be a good time to change my timing chain and if so is it very hard to do. I have heard you could do it by just removing the cam covers and pulling a new one through. Anybody have any experiance in this? Thanks.

tex · 12-29-2003, 11:35 AM

I have never "threaded" a new one in but I can say from experience that it would be much easier than waiting for it to snap or jump time and dealing with all the additional havoc wreaked on the engine. I assume you still have the single row chain and gears? I have done a 380 double row conversion so if you really want to keep the car that is what I'd recommend. The water pump would be a good place to start and from there I'd keep digging my way rearwards, you will have to replace all the gears, guides and tensioners along the way. It's been a while but I think all the parts ran around five hundred bucks or so.

tex

On edit, at 120k plus I'd say you are living on borrowed time if still running an untouched single row chain, just my 2 cents.

midnight0000 · 12-30-2003, 03:15 AM

How do I find out if it is a double row ? Is it in the vin# ? Or does it have to be converted to be a double row ?

tex · 12-30-2003, 07:23 AM

I might be worrying you for nothing, now that I am thinking they may have indeed gone to a double row chain by 85. If you want to be sure pull the passenger side valve cover, the easiest one to pull I think, and have a look. The front cam gear will be clearly visible. You may be able to see the condition of your chain guides as well. If it is a double row chain you're in luck and can most likely get by with a new chain, guides, and tensioner. There are two guides per head and a few down behind the front cover but I don't think you really need to bother changing those.

cnd · 12-30-2003, 08:54 AM

I don't understand why the U.S received the 380 engines with a single row timing chain? Yet in all other markets across the world received the 380 with a double row timing chain from the very beginning of the W126's introduction.

Anyone know the reason why the U.S received the single row chain?