[srsomasundaram]

Yes, I bought the 420SEL in Dec 2005 with 129000 Miles with no record for timing chain replacement. Have logged another 4000 miles since then

So, finally took the plunge: had it inspected by indy MBZ workshop; the original timing had never been changed ; told them to replace it with chain tensioner, chain tensioner rail, timing chain guide.camshaft oiler kit etc.

Total cost: $ 928



Now I can drive with peace of mind.

 

[jdc1244]

Smart move. Did you see any of the old parts? When I had mine done the indy kept the old parts to show me – the guides were brown and brittle, one had broken apart and fell into the sump. Peace of mind indeed.

 

[Bfam4t6]

How often is this job supposed to be done? I've got 192,000 on my car, and I have no idea whether or not the timing chain has ever been replaced. Lately I have been hearing an weird nose only when I accelerate that sounds oddly like a chain lightly skimming over metal. It scares me a bit......

 

[jdc1244]

For the V8s every 100,000 miles.

 

[srsomasundaram]

Smart move. Did you see any of the old parts? When I had mine done the indy kept the old parts to show me – the guides were brown and brittle, one had broken apart and fell into the sump. Peace of mind indeed.

I just collected the old parts from the auto shop. Will take pictures and post them.

In my case also, one of the chain guides had broken. And they are dark brown in color.

 

[srsomasundaram]

Pics of old chain and parts

Here you go:
The right extreme guide is the broken one.

 

[Bfam4t6]

sorry I can't see the pic?

 

[srsomasundaram]

sorry I can't see the pic?

Ever since server migration, these things have become more tedious. Let me try again to post the pics.

 

[srsomasundaram]

My pictures are larger in size than permitted.
Let me see how I can go about.

Any suggestions,guys?

 

[jdc1244]

Reduce the size or use an image hosting site.

 

[DinoMobile]

Old Rails' pics

Here are some pics of the old brittle rails from my car. One of them broke off and was sitting on the chain at the narrow section on top of the idle gear on the driver side.(first piciture, it's the portion closest to you) If I were to put this off any longer, the broken piece may have fallen into the sump and god know what's next! Pop your valve covers off and take a close look at the rail's surface. If they're brown, grooved, or chain slack is more then 5 degrees, have the job done!

Enjoy.
Brian

the second burnt looking one was just me messing with it with a torch, while other broken pieces were cracked in half just to see how brittle they were...

Look a the wear from sitting on the chain.

After the job...

Car is for sale by the way...

 

[jdc1244]

Great pics, thanks – that’s exactly what to look for. Please post these pics in the DIY sticky.