If you own a Mercedes with the M116 V8 engine (expect 1980 to 1982 380 engines with single low chains) timing chain failure can really ruin your day! If the engine it turning at high speed when this happens, it can destroy the engine. If it happens at low speed, you may get away with removing the heads and replacing some bent valves. In either case, it is going to be very expensive to repair. Chain failure is usually caused by one of the upper guide rails breaking off and falling into the sprockets causing the chain to “jump timing” or by excessive wear in the chain links causing it to break apart. As seen on Cherry. CLICK HERE to watch the full video series on Kent’s R107 rolling restoration.
Product Details
Kent has written a manual and done a number of videos on this problem. You will see first hand why he recommends you change these parts BEFORE they fail.
Replacing the chain is not difficult but requires great care in both preparation and procedure to make certain it is installed properly with minimal effort and time. If you do it wrong you could end up having to take the front of the engine part. A new chain can be connected to the old chain and “rolled” into the engine with the aid of a helper. It does not require major disassembly of the engine.
This kit includes:
- New TWIN ROW timing chain
- 3 new upper guide rails
- Guide pin removal tool
- Heavy duty green nitrile gloves
- Lint-free blue cloth
- Complete written instructions
- Video Tips on how to prevent problems during chain replacement
This kit will not work on 1980 to 1982 3.8 (380) V8 engines with the single row timing chain. Some of these early engines have been converted to twin row chains. If you do not know for sure remove one valve cover and check BEFORE ORDERING!
This kit does not include the valve cover gaskets or the oiler tube clips. The clips are made of plastic and unless they have been replaced in the last 10 years they should be (or your camshafts could be ruined). We do sell a valve cover gasket set separately if your clips have been changed or a valve cover gasket set with clips. Since you will have to remove your spark plugs to replace the timing chain this might be a good time to replace your spark plugs as well. See related products below for these other items:
Related Products:
M116 and M117 V8 Valve Cover Service / Oil Leak Fix Kit
This is a VERY common maintenance item on the older Mercedes V8 engines. If they are too old they will leak. If they are not put on properly they will leak. If you do any maintenance (ie, valve adjustment, clip replacement, timing chain, guides, etc), you should have this kit on hand.
Early M116 and M117 Camshaft and Engine Survival Kit
Late M116 and M117 Camshaft and Engine Survival Kit
Preventing Catastrophic V8 Engine Failure - by Kent Bergsma
Applies to the following chassis: 111, 108, 109, 107, 116 and 126. Includes 3.5, 4.5, 350, 380, 450, 500, 420, and 560 V8 engines from 1970 to 1991. When Mercedes introduced their small 3.5 liter V8 in 1970 it was hailed as a technological breakthrough in automotive engine design.
Gas and Diesel Engine Timing Chain Guide Rail Pin Removal Tool
Almost all Mercedes gas and diesel engines from the late 50's up to the early '90s used pressed in steel pins to hold the timing chain guide rails in position (inside the engine block).
Engine Crank Rotation Adjustable Length 1/2 Inch Drive Ratchet Wrench
This is Kents new favorite ratchet wrench for turning engines over during service and repair. There are a number of maintenance procedures that require you rotate the engine over by hand.
Diesel and Gas Engine Valve Adjusting Feeler Gauges
Applies to all Mercedes: Pre 1960, 190SL, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 108, 109, 107, 116, 123, 126 with adjustable valves. We have had a number of requests to provide our customers with a feeler gauge to adjust their valves, particularly on the 616 and 617 diesel engines.
M116 and M117 EARLY V8 BOSCH Spark Plug Set of 8
These will fit all 1970 to 1975 3.5 and 4.5 V8 engines with D-Jetronic fuel injection (electronic). Do not use NGK, Platinum or any other kind of "special" spark plug. You will be sorry. Use only these Bosch Super plugs.
M116 and M117 EARLY V8 High Performance Spark Plug Wire Set
Exceptionally nice set of high-performance spark wires as shown. These should be replaced approximately every 80,000 miles for peak performance.
M116 and M117 LATER V8 NGK Spark Plug Set of 8
These will fit all 1976 to 1991 4.5, 3.8, 5.0 and 5.6-liter V8 engines with Bosch C.I.S fuel injection. PLEASE NOTE: These spark plugs have an aluminum end cap that does screw off. You will receive the plugs with the end cap installed.