Part 2 2012 Mercedes C250 Timing Chain Replacement

This is part 2 of the timing chain replacement on a 2012 Mercedes C250. In part 2 I discuss how I changed the timing chain using the special tools and how you have to attach it to the old chain to pull it around. This is pretty much the full reassembly of all the components. I give you the torque specs for the everything as well. If you need any specs that I did not mention please feel free to comment and I'll help out anyway I can.
Instagram: / 0p_0verhaul

[@user-gd9hq4rc8o]

I just wanna say... I did my timing chain, cam gears, tensioner bolt using this video. Saved me a bunch of time analyzing what all needed to come out. Very tedious, amd given what shops charge for this, very worth the time. Next time will be a cakewalk. Thank for the upload!!

[@operationoverhaul]

Your welcome and it is a tedious job but if you take your time it is way cheaper than a shop lol.

[@rongibbs5876]

This is a great video. Thank you! I’m having the same issue with my car.

[@operationoverhaul]

Your welcome and Thank you for watching it and it is a fairly straight forward job if you have some car knowledge and the tools. This a common issue with these cars as well.

[@JessePalacios-zd3ql]

Thank you for adding torque specs to your video!!

[@operationoverhaul]

Your welcome. I try to add torque specs on every video just so the viewers are not trying to find them. Now I have had some of the specs be wrong but these came directly from Mercedes so they should be correct lol

[@eddiebailey6250]

Excellent job

[@operationoverhaul]

Thank you. I appreciate you watching the video. I hope it helps/helped you out.

[@miguelsegovia3324]

Your saving me money!!!!!!!!! Appreciate you god bless

[@operationoverhaul]

More than happy to help. If you need anything else, feel free to ask.

[@ToonYourCar]

Super thankful for this because im not doing this unless im paid enough from the customer

[@operationoverhaul]

I typically charge more for European vehicles when I work on them because they do require more specialty tools for things like this and the shear fact that it harder to find people around this area that are willing to work on them.

[@ToonYourCar]

@@operationoverhaulwhat was the name of that cam holder tool or which one did you get?

[@operationoverhaul]

@@ToonYourCar I got it off of amazon actually and worked pretty good for me. I thought I linked it in the comment. Ill look and if not, I'll get you the link tomorrow.

[@serjie567]

This is the best video so far Great job. Thanks a lot

[@operationoverhaul]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it and hope it helps/helped you out. Thank you again for watching.

[@zcaraiasreal8389]

​@@operationoverhaul I've never done a job like this . I have a question for you . Why did you replace the variable camshalf sprockets? They were noisy , check engine light on due to timing chain was stretched? I'm asking cuz on Hondas 2008 til 2014 intake vtc sprocket are noisy on cold start .

[@operationoverhaul]

@zcaraiasreal8389 these should not have any play on the sprockets and they were loose. Plus I bought the entire kit with them in it.

[@zcaraiasreal8389]

@@operationoverhaulthanks for answering!

[@operationoverhaul]

@@zcaraiasreal8389 your welcome

[@michaelchen4820]

Very good video

[@operationoverhaul]

Thank you. I tried to cut out all the small stuff to make it shorter and not so boring.

[@askadeasos]

Very good video.

[@operationoverhaul]

Thank you very much!

[@randalceniceros8157]

Mad skills

[@operationoverhaul]

I appreciate it. I know some people are not willing tackle this on a European car but if you take your time and have the tools, it is not half bad.

[@ShoetubeTV]

Thanks for the video. Just want to double check to make sure is a non interference engine because I am working on the same engine, mine jumped time. 🙏

[@operationoverhaul]

No these are not an interference engine. You actually have to rotate the engine to put the chain on.

[@ShoetubeTV]

@@operationoverhaul thank you

[@yyyhj7895]

My 2014 have 150k miles and i haven't never changed this chain. I'm really thinking about changing this. Only thing i notice is my engine is much louder. I keep up with all my maintenance.

[@operationoverhaul]

That is awesome that it has never had it replaced. Normally I see these chains go within 50k miles. It helps with the routine maintenance you have performed it seems.

[@SurpriseNkuna-lr8vp]

L​@@operationoverhaul

[@richardbeauge4244]

Hello. Excellent job on the video. I’m on the phase where I need to add tension to the tensioner bolt. How did you do that?

[@operationoverhaul]

So, to apply tension with the tensioner you will just rotate the engine over by hand and at about a quarter to a half of rotation the tensioner should release and apply tension on its on. I explained it a little around the 11:30 mark on the video. It is also good to rotate it about 2 to 4 full revolutions after as well just to ensure nothing is binding.

[@danielbarros8136]

Great video, how do I know which torque do I need for my engine on the phasers bolt ?

[@operationoverhaul]

You can look it up by your vin number to see which engine you have as there are two different variants of this engine they use. You can call a Mercedes dealership and give it to them and they can let you know which one you have. And as far as interference engine question goes, an interference engine means that if the timing chain or timing belt snaps/breaks then the pistons will hit the valves and causing damage where a non-interference engine will not contact the valves. If you have any other questions just ask and I will be happy to help out.

[@fredisinteriano2340]

Excellent video, where did you buy the socket for the camshaft facer

[@operationoverhaul]

Thank you, I appreciate it. I bought it from Amazon actually. I'll get you a link to it if you would like.

[@eddiebailey6250]

I'm currently performing this job I'm have a little trouble getting the new cam adjuster installed. They start on but will not seat all the way on. Yes I am putting the intake on the correct cam and ext on the ext cam.

[@operationoverhaul]

I know that there are two different version of this same engine but I do not know what the differences are right off the top of my head. But I do know that the cam gears/sprockets torque to two different values so the cam or sprockets one may be different. I would check to be sure that the alignment dowels are the same size holes and that the cams journals inside the sprockets are the same diameter as well.

[@chazminocchi2998]

When doing this did you replace the main guides or leave the originals the kit from Mercedes doesn’t include those main guides they are purchased separately just wondering how those are removed and installed

[@085keith]

Great video!!! Is it possible to get a parts list I’m doing this repair on my 2012 c250

[@operationoverhaul]

This kit right here will have everything except you valve cover gasket. www.fcpeuro.com/products/mercedes-timing-chain-kit-febi-46374 This is what is in the kit: (1) Timing Chain - with Master Link, (1) Timing Chain Tensioner, (1) Timing Chain Tensioner Bracket, (1) Left Guide Rail, (1) Right Guide Rail, (1) Upper Guide Rail, (1) Timing Cover Plug, and (2) Camshaft Adjuster Magnet Seals.

[@adolfyoung4367]

❤

[@bryanv2983]

Besides the cam adjuster marks and crank at 0. With cyl 1 at too dead center does the position of the chain matter?

[@operationoverhaul]

Not really. As long as you are certain everything it at the correct orientation, then it does not matter where the chain is on the gears.

[@saudrahimi520]

Hi sir hope you are doing well my question is this that should the master link aligned with teeth that marked with camshaft adjuster and engine timing or doesn't matter if the master link is not in engine timing mark camshaft adjuster. I'm little bit confuse. Thanks.

[@operationoverhaul]

It does not matter where the master link falls as it will change positions as the engine rotates but I would line up the colored links (if there is any) with the timing marks.

[@jo_mammi]

For back of the actuators was it a normal 32mm wrench or did u have to buy a more thin one? I’m concerned if I use a regular 32mm it won’t fit

[@operationoverhaul]

My wrenches are a little thinner than must so you may need to get a thinner wrench to fit behind it

[@kevinmorton4439]

hi. A lot of these models on the road. Is this a common problem. Or regular maintenance and oil replacement relieve the issue. And don’t thrash them over 7000 RPM

[@operationoverhaul]

This is a common problem on these. It does not seem to matter what the maintenance habits are, they seem to fail regardless. I think it just a poor design more than anything.

[@mascho22]

Hello, was wondering what causes the cam gears to go bad? Other than chain noise was an engine light on due to the timing being off

[@operationoverhaul]

I do not know why they fail but I think it is an oiling of some sort personally

[@TylerGamble-yk7sx]

What is the best way to check for bent valves on a 2014 m271? Thanks.

[@operationoverhaul]

Several ways actually. You can do a compression check, a cylinder leakage test, borescope the cylinder, or even remove the valve cover and turn the engine over and see how much they move.

[@ExtremeKustomz615]

Is the red point on the chain supposed to be lined up with the top dead center mark? Or does that not matter as long as the phaser are at top dead center

[@operationoverhaul]

You can put the chain any position you would like. The most important thing is to be sure the timing marks are aligned.

[@whlawson5812]

API SP engine oil supposedly formulated for timing chain protection. Anyone out there have any idea on what additive they put in to bring about this claim on chain protection?. Thanks.

[@operationoverhaul]

Sorry it took so long to respond. I was looking to see what additive/formula they used to minimize wear. I could not find anything in my research. If I happen to find an answer for you I will let you know because now I am curious as well. If anyone finds out, please let us know as I would like to know so I can relay the message to people who drive cars prone to timing component failures.

[@Erickj99]

How do you set the tensioner? After it’s installed/screwed in it’s housing/bracket, what is the next step?

[@operationoverhaul]

After the tensioner is in and torqued down. Remove all the holding tools and rotate the engine over by hand. This will activate the tensioner and cause it to apply pressure.

[@jo_mammi]

Do you have to change the chain when you do the valve adjusters? I was just going to replace the adjusters, tensioner, VVT solenoids valve cover gasket and thermostat did not really want to change the chain

[@operationoverhaul]

You do not have to change the chain if you do not want to. That is up to you. I figured while I am already that far I would do it. But that is up to you

[@midlandsmanabula8417]

Any video for 2015 c250 w205 m274 engine Timing chain replacement!tks!

[@operationoverhaul]

I don't have one right now but if I get one of those I will post a video of it.

[@falakhemthethwa3171]

Awesome video, Thank you so much. I will attempt this job in the near future. Can you please share all the torque settings. Thank you 🙏

[@operationoverhaul]

Are you wanting all the torque specs for everything?

[@jcastaneda3104]

I locked the cam and installed the chain leaving it at top dead but intake sprocket is a hairline to the right. Is it possible the camshaft is damaged

[@operationoverhaul]

So, I have come across this before and no I do not think it is damaged. Some of these need to be rotated a little further to line up the marks. I do not know which years it was pertained to but I do know this is a problem. You will need to line up the marks and then you will be in time correctly. If you do not do this then the car will throw a crank/cam correlation code.

[@bokzader]

Great video. I have the same engine and got code P0017 the car runs fine but at stoplight it starts to idle very bad and engine shaking . I removed the valve cover to check the timing it was just a hair off maybe 2 or 3mm on the ajusters. But on cylinder 2 the rocker arm fell off the valve stem so the valve was always closed . Should i just replace the rocker arm or it needs more investigation because i checked the cylinder with a camera and the piston seems fine no damage.

[@operationoverhaul]

Can you see why the rocker fell off? I would investigate the cause of that first before just putting another rocker on it and make sure there is not damage to the cam and spring before replacing as well.

[@bokzader]

@@operationoverhaul no i can not tell . I ordered the timing toolkit with T100 in order to remove the adjusters and cams.the rocker arm is still connected to the push rod .it fell to the right side and the camshaft lobe got a little scratch on the right edge because it was touching the rocker arm.

[@bokzader]

@@operationoverhaul one think i can tell is that the intake camshaft has been replaced it looks brand new . I just bought the car one week ago i do not know why.

[@operationoverhaul]

@Bo Kzader then I would definitely look everything over then just because if a major component like that was changed then some significant happened.

[@bokzader]

How did you line up everything. I have the camshafts timing tool installed but the line on the exhaust camshaft doesn't line up perfectly with the mark . Maybe 2mm. Does it have to be perfect? Because i saw many other videos on youtube and it also doesn't line up perfectly when they are done.

[@eli-jr2148]

Im having same issue car rattles for few seconds when first starting then runs regular after that,how much you charge for that job 2014 300C benz

[@operationoverhaul]

To do all the chains on it calls for 18 hours of labor and that would run about 3500 dollars for me to do.

[@javier-qv4is]

Hello sir, what are the bames of the special tools you used for this repair

[@operationoverhaul]

There should be a link to the tools that I used in the description. But I can get the links for you if you would like as well

[@charlie208]

Did you not replace the lower guide rails?

[@operationoverhaul]

No, it called for engine removal in service data with 11 hrs of labor and the rail was in really good condition as it had really low mileage so the customer opted to not change it

[@danielbarros8136]

Also, what do you mean about this is not an interference engine? Thanks in advance

[@trelipscomb8137]

First off. This is very much so an interference motor. Second. What this means is that if the chain breaks it will have piston, valve contact. Be careful with this one.

[@5ivestarJaayy]

@@trelipscomb8137 it’s not an interference engine u have to turn the crank or cam to put the chain on

[@trelipscomb8137]

@@5ivestarJaayy I've rebuilt several of these engines. 2 back to back this year. Both had valve to piston contact after the chain skipped. One of them had a hole in the piston. The 2014 C250. And a 2013 C250 so I would say from experience if the chain skipped or broke, the piston will hit the valves.

[@pelikan909]

For the pins, did you use any special tool?

[@operationoverhaul]

When you say pins, are you referring to the chain link pins?

[@jcar716]

Do the sparkplugs need to come out or can they be changed after the valve body is put back in place?

[@operationoverhaul]

I took them out so the engine would be easier to rotate.

[@jcar716]

I moved the alternator to the side to get to the tensioner. Not seeing it in your video how to remove. Is it best to leave the new one out until the new chain is installed?

[@jcar716]

After I put the new tensioner in and activated it, no longer on Top Center. Exhaust cam gear is a few degrees off now too

[@operationoverhaul]

@@jcar716 you will need to redo the timing because it will throw a code for it being off. I have had a person say that some of these engine will throw the timing off if you use the cam tool as tdc can be different and you need to manually set the timing and not rely on the tool to hold it in true TDC.

[@CLM1297]

So the m271 is non interference engine?

[@operationoverhaul]

That is correct. If the chain breaks it will not make contact with the valves. You have to rotate the engine to put the chain on it as well.

[@MrBtine91]

What was the chain tool you used again?

[@operationoverhaul]

The tool to break the chain?

[@maxxiidabeast1080]

We’re did you get the guide pin caps and tensioner cap

[@operationoverhaul]

It all came as a complete kit from fcp euro I believe. If not there then ecstuning

[@maxxiidabeast1080]

@@operationoverhaulI just need the tensioner cap and can’t find it

[@operationoverhaul]

@maxxiidabeast1080 www.fcpeuro.com/products/mercedes-plug-febi-0009976220 this should be what you need

[@genenelson3764]

Great video! How long did this job take start to finish? My daughter got quotes from 2 different shops. The first shop's quote was over $5000.00 and the 2nd shop's quote was over $4000.00.

[@operationoverhaul]

Thank you. I had approximately 4 to 5 hours total in it. It does not take much once you get the valve cover off

[@ManiiacGaming]

Having the same issue did you ever get it fixed? And if you did how much did it cost you ?

[@yancabreu6645]

Any help how remove the timing cover

[@operationoverhaul]

To remove the full cover, it states that the entire engine needs to be removed to take the cover off.

[@harisyoung4110]

Do i need to remove alternator to replace the tensioner ?

[@operationoverhaul]

Yes, you have to remove the alternator to remove the tensioner. It is behind a plug behind the alternator.

[@harisyoung4110]

@@operationoverhaul Thanks, looks like a lot of work.. once you disconnect a battery to remove the alternator, do i need to setting/synchronize back all the setting in the car feature console ?

[@harisyoung4110]

@@operationoverhaul sorry for asking, because before this i never have experience with disconecting the battery since i buy this car 10years ago.. i use jumper technic when replacing the battery..

[@operationoverhaul]

@@harisyoung4110 Sometimes you may have to do that but I have done it where I did not need to. This one did not need it.

[@operationoverhaul]

@@harisyoung4110 its okay. You should be okay just to disconnect the negative side of the battery only.

[@khalidmahmood8466]

Whaa the link for the tools to order?

[@operationoverhaul]

this is for the chain breaker tool kit: amzn.to/41l40ir and this is for the phaser bolt: amzn.to/3EsvHfC and this is for the cam holding set: amzn.to/3YVU0un

[@thenaturalswimmingpondco.1883]

How many shop hours did this take

[@operationoverhaul]

Book hours it calls for 11 to do the guides, tensioner, and chains. But just chain and tensioner is 7. But it took about 6 hours for me to do the chain and tensioner while filming.

[@Grab123on]

​@@operationoverhauldo you know why it failed? I'm about to do one and believe it's because of the guides, I've heard you have to pull the engine for the guides, do you have any advice?

[@operationoverhaul]

@@Grab123on in the ones I have done, it is the tensioner and chain that fails. I have only had one that I worked on that had the guides fail. But that is 1 out of 5.

[@TijuanCrittenden]

How do I make sure that my torque specs is 90nm

[@operationoverhaul]

You will need a torque wrench.

[@TijuanCrittenden]

I meant where do I find if my engine needs to be torque to 90 or 130nm

[@operationoverhaul]

@TijuanCrittenden sorry I misunderstood. You can call the dealership with your vin and they should be able to tell you which engine code you you have

[@itstezzy7482]

They told me I needed a new engine once my timing chain had broke

[@operationoverhaul]

So, I called the dealership three dealerships to verify if it was an interference engine or not and 2 said yes while one said no. So I would say yes to you possibly needing another engine.

[@quattrosport2860]

Leak down test with compressed air to see if valves are bent

[@rok_223]

Where the pcv valve is this car ?

[@operationoverhaul]

These have a breather hose check valve rather than a pcv valve. The part number is 2710180329. Here is a link to it on FCP euro: www.fcpeuro.com/products/mercedes-breather-hose-check-valve-febi-2710180329

[@rok_223]

Thanks ' so if I need installation oil cache can How can i install it?

[@operationoverhaul]

Most people I have seen use a kit from www.addw1.com/ and here is a link to a forum of someone who shows pictures and kind of goes over it as it would be hard to type out everything you need to do. Here is the link: www.benzworld.org/threads/oil-catch-can-for-c250-1-8-turbo.3062268/

[@AaronDFS]

Can you help me I will pay no one wants to fix it for me! Also I can offer pay and room and board I’m located in Columbia South Carolina

[@operationoverhaul]

I could do it but the car would have to be towed or driven to me. I'm about an hour to hour and a half from columbia.

[@mnicolae1541]

This is w204 ..?

[@operationoverhaul]

yes that is correct.

[@mnicolae1541]

@@operationoverhaul me I have this w204 but the timing chain is in the back...

[@operationoverhaul]

@mnicolae1541 which engine do you have?

[@mnicolae1541]

@@operationoverhaul c 250 204 horse.. engine 2145 cc

[@mario10n]

Hey! Sent you a message in your page on instagram.

[@operationoverhaul]

I just looked at it and I sent you one back. Sorry about that.

[@hectormarin4979]

Do you by any chance live in south Florida I have same car & issue & need a good mechanic