[W126 Coupe] Camshaft replacement

[Pete Williams]

Andy,
Cam timing marks are already there. There is a lot more "magic" involved. At
least two special tools, spring compressor and offset hex head wrench. Don't
try to just get by. There is the danger of the threads coming out with the
bolts. Half of the bolts go into the head, half are head bolts entering the
block at approximately 1-1/2 degrees off perpendicular. Get all new rockers.
You'll need at least an oiler kit, very inexpensive. It'll be a good time
for a timing chain and tensioner if they haven't been replaced in recent
memory. If you do end up with tread problems, then you'll have to be a
magician to master all of the "magic" involved. Make sure no washers, bolts,
master links, or loose timing chain ends fall into the engine where the
timing chains enter. Remove the plugs for easy engine rotation. In case the
chain jumps on the other head, it's best to remove all of the rockers. If
you do decide to do it yourself, there are a lot more "tricks" involved but
there are a lot of magicians on this forum to help you. It's all possible
and can be very rewarding, but there can be a lot of frustration too. 
Good luck,
Pete Williams
1972 350SL 4.5
1983 500 SEC AMG
1984 500 SEL (parts)
MBCA, Central Oklahoma Section

-----Original Message-----
From: mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com]
On Behalf Of Andrew Sporner
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 2:54 AM
To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists
Subject: [W126 Coupe] Camshaft replacement

I am told that the right camshaft needs to be eventually replaced
(makes a clacking sound when the motor is cold and their are grooves
on one of the cams)  They tell me that the car can go up to 50K Kilometers
more without problems -- or die next week.

Can anybody suggest the level of difficulty.  I am not foreign to working
on cars (rebuilt the motor on my 1976 Ford mustang -- though admittedly
I sent the top-head away to get remachined).

I suppose you just have to mark the gears on the timing chain and just
replace?  Or is there more magic involved?

Andy
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