I was wondering if there were any DIY's concerning the Timing Chain and guides on the R53 W11 engine. Everywhere I looked it only mentions the tensioner or the R56 MCS. Is this something that can be done with the engine in the car? Thanks.

 

 

I didn't mean the Tensioner. I meant the actual chain and guides. Believe me, I've seen that vid so many times before.

Thanks anyway.

 

Do your self a favor if the guides are really wore pull your oil pan. The pieces may clog the oil pick up.

 

I understand, I also want to change them with the chain.

 

Chain generally doesn't need to be replaced. Guides can be replaced by pulling the valve cover and the passengers motor mount.

If your guides are smashed you'll need to pull the pan to get the pieces out.

 

I'm doing this mostly as preventative maintenance, I also hear a rattle coming from that area. I already replaced the tensioner with no luck.

 

I'm going to put a windage tray and oil pick up baffle in anyways. So the pan is coming off either way

 

Coolio, Good luck! If you're replacing the chain don't worry about the official tools since you can set the timing with the timing marks on the crank and the cam sprockets. It's all pretty straight forward. once you're in there.

Drain your oil first if possible.

 

Oh I will, so its pretty much remove the Harmonic balancer, oil pan, valve cover, camshaft sproket, and motor mount? (The basics of it)

 

Also need to remove the AC compressor from its mounts (no need to disconnect any lines or anything), remove the serpentine belt tensioner and the idler pulley, and that's it. It does make it a little easier to remove the caps on the head that give you easy access to the timing chain guide bolts.

Oh yeah, need to remove the passenger side engine mount as well.

 

I would do the chain with the guides all at once, it you are doing the guides anyway.

 

I will. Maybe even a mild camshaft since I have everything apart