M119.972 Timing chain tensioner

[RobLu]

Hi Gent's!

I'm replacing timing chain in my M119.972 engine. I don't really have any manuals, however I already installed new chain , guid rails. At first locking pins on cams didn't lined up so I did have to do it again.

Now this is the part where I came across timing chain tensioner issue.

When removing febi Bilstein tensioner clip that holds tensioners pin fell off. Picture borrowed from other thread:



I did put it back in place and it does hold pin in place under pressure, but is it safe to leave it like that? Knowing that it might pop off?

I can't see how would it escape as it's constantly pressed by tensioners guid rail, but it doesn't seem right. These clips are really soft.

Will it be okay?


Thanks

 

[gsxr]

Is the Febi tensioner OEM "SWAG" brand, made in Germany? If so, that's odd the clip fell off. I'm not sure if that can fall into the engine or not but I'd be concerned.

If there was nothing wrong with your old/original/factory tensioner, just re-use it. These tensioners don't wear out and require replacement. Usually the chains do not need replacement either, with new guide rails the cam timing often comes back into spec.

BTW - welcome to the forum!

 

[RobLu]

Is the Febi tensioner OEM "SWAG" brand, made in Germany? If so, that's odd the clip fell off. I'm not sure if that can fall into the engine or not but I'd be concerned.

If there was nothing wrong with your old/original/factory tensioner, just re-use it. These tensioners don't wear out and require replacement. Usually the chains do not need replacement either, with new guide rails the cam timing often comes back into spec.

BTW - welcome to the forum!

Hi gsxr, and thank you for welcome. I've lost count in all forums I participate in, that I forget to say Hi!

So... ylYes, timing in my car failed in few places, I do think my old chain did have slight stretch, was not really visible when both new and old was on the table, but when I hanged them both old one was slightly longer, I do know this is eyeballing measurement type, but on top of that three guides were knacked and I decided to replace everything and clean out all damaged leftovers from the engine. One of damaged parts did get under the chain on exhaust cam causing chain to jump one teeth. Wouldn't happened if guid rails were alright, but here I am with stripped m119 and broken oil pump rail guide. Classic.

Yes! This is exactly model of tensioner I installed. I do not think either it will cause anything as there is no movement for slide pin to get out. Thank you for confirming this.

New tensioner is stronger then the old one. I can press old one halfway holding it with one hand, where new one won't budge. I do need to use both hands to compress new tensioner.

This is why I'm divided. Bit scared of weak tension of the chain (I don't won't to do this job ever again) and scared of this clip become lose again, but again as you said there is not much possibility for tensioner pin to come off regardless the clip being in place or not. On the other hand OEM even if weaker tension still should hold chain in place.

What a great idea to learn timing chain replacement on m119 huh .


Thank you for your input. You don't have idea how your thoughts about this are important for me. I wouldn't get that far without you and your other posts on this forum!

 

[gsxr]

The tensioner works primarily based on oil pressure, not the internal spring. in general I wouldn't worry about the old one feeling like there is less tension.

If the Febi tensioner is reboxed SWAG made in Germany, it's probably ok. If not, I wouldn't use it.

 

[R129 UK]

clip that holds tensioners pin fell off

Mine (the original MB part AFAIK) did the same on my M119.982 - I just repaired it by bending it as necessary to keep it in place and it has been fine ever since.

The image below is not from my car, I found it on the web when I posted:

 

[RobLu]

Yes. That's what I did. I put it back in place in vice, then gently hammered around so it bend around edge which you marked in pictures.

Thanks lads!