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1/10/02
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Dear Jon,
I have a 1991 Mercedes Benz 300E which has 150,000 miles. I
have never had the
timing chain changed. However, I took my vehicle to a shop and they
recommended
that I have the timing chain tensioner valve cover gasket/seals replaced.
I took my
vehicle to another shop and that shop suggested that I get the chain
changed. There
has been no difference in the performance of vehicle and honestly I'm
confused. Do
you think these services are necessary. Thank you in advance for the
advice.
William
P.S. Is the 300E a very reliable vehicle after 150,000 miles, in other
words how many
miles can I expect and what kinds of problems.
- Thanks for the email. Every 125,000 miles
your 300E should have a new timing chain and tensioner. You will get a
new U-seal and valve cover gasket out of the deal too. This is a
preventative maintenance only. I like to think of it as an insurance
policy, if that chain breaks going down the road it will be like a hand
grenade went off inside that motor. Changing the tensioner alone will do
no good, actually the tensioner can be reset, you may just need a chain.
I would change the tensioner at the same time. A new chain and
tensioner with all the fluff should run you no more than 600.00.
If you are going to keep the car do it, if not sell it because it needs
a chain. How much are they asking to do the job? JON
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