I have a timing chain crimper for rent. This tool is for double-row chains only.

With it, I will also provide instructions, a temporary link (for joining the new and old chains temporarily during the installation), and a wood block cut to fit the 601 diesel engine (and most likely the 602 & 603 as well) to help you guide the chain in.

See the attached photos to get an idea of how the crimps look and what you will get.

Here's how the rental will work:
1) If you're interested, send me a PM with your contact info
2) We'll arrange for you to send me a $200 deposit (by paypal or bank deposit or some other means)
3) I send you the crimper, temporary link, and wood block by Fedex.
4) You use the tools and return them (or don't; I have your $200! :))
5) If I get everything back in good condition in a reasonable time frame (a few weeks), I'll refund you $150 of the $200 deposit.

Why the $50 difference? Well, it covers the Fedex fees for shipping to you, the paypal fees for the deposit and refund, and my time and materials to package everything up and send it to you. It's much cheaper than buying the tool & accessories if you only need it once!

Also, note that I am located in Canada. If you are too, that's great - shipping is easy. If you are in the US, then there may be a few dollars of customs duties to take care of when the package crosses the border - those would be your responsibility as well (including anything charged when the tool is on the way back).

Send me a PM if you're interested...

Hi Cornblatt,
Your timing chain crimper rental program is a very sweet program you provide for the members, I just changed my T-chain on my 1984 300SD and something I see in your PICS. that you have is the temporary link is much better than the one I used, ( Mine had 2 very small E-clips on each post, they were hard to get on! )
Could I get the brand and name of the Co. where you bought your temporary clip style link? That would work so much better than chasing these little E-clips all over the floor in the shop!
Thank You,
Jim,
Woodland,Washington

Hi Jim,

The temporary link pictured is actually just the master link from my old chain (which was installed long ago, before Mercedes changed their minds and decided that crimping is the only recommended method of linking the chain).

They say you're not supposed to use the clip-on style of link as a permanent link anymore, so I'm not sure if it's possible to still get them or not.

I looked up the link on a parts site and it says:

Iwisketten (Iwis)
Timing Chain Master Link; For Double Row Chain; Diesel
This is the latest crimp-on type, Iwis no longer offers c-clip type. 1 per car.

Hi,
Thanks for your reply, The only reason I want the clip type you have is to just use it to roll the T chain in, then replace with the crimp type link. I will find one some day!
Thanks again fr your help!
Jim

I have a 190E 2.6L with the single chain, so your tools on loan would not help me. Maybe I can do something similar for my 103 engine. What does the bottom side of block look like?

But tell me how does the custom made wood block help. I have seen a post where vise grips are used to hold on to the double chain as the crank is turned, it looked very elaborate.

In my 103 I have the front cover off since I am changing the chain rails. Since you have spent some time thinking and implementing a chain change what advice can you give.

Where do the temporary chain clips come from?

illanrob1

The wood block is a homemade substitute for the proper mercedes tool. It helps hold the chain to the camshaft sprocket. Obviously, a wood block is not as good as the factory tool but it is better than no tool at all :)

http://www.startekinfo.de/etools/data/602%20589%2001%2040%2000-Dateien/image003.jpg
http://www.startekinfo.de/etools/content/tool.jsp?toolno=602 589 01 40 00

I believe Mercedes sells temporary links for rolling in the chain (e.g. part number 602 589 02 40 00 - this is listed as "Threading Link Set (temporary) for Diesel/Gasoline Engines" so it may work on your engine too).
http://www.startekinfo.de/etools/data/602%20589%2002%2040%2000-Dateien/image002.gif

I don't know very much about the gasoline engines so I can't offer any advice for the M103... :confused: Sorry!

Is your adapter for the 617 also?

will this be available in a month?

The crimping tool should work on the 617 too. The wood block won't fit.

The tool is currently on loan - the last person to borrow it has had it for around 3 months now... I will post an updare here when (if) it comes back.

Great, maybe that person can just send it to me? I will send pictures of the tool upon arrival to insure its condition.

Unfortunately, the tool has still not been returned. Given the length of time it has been gone (I think it's been at least 4 or 5 months now), I'm not optimistic that it will be returned.

So, please consider it unavailable until further notice. :(

I should have requested an even larger deposit - the deposit covered the cost of the crimping tool, but not the cost of the temporary link, which I have since discovered is around $55 :eek:. If the tool ever returns, the deposit will need to be increased to avoid issues like this.