Does anyone have a rough idea of how much it should cost to replace a timing belt on a 1981 300SD 617 body style, parts and labor?
I have been quoted about $1000 but I thought this was high............anyone had one of these replaced recently?
Thanks for any info.
Modrama

 

I'm no expert by any means but the 617 diesel engine uses a timing chain, not a belt. The timing chain is not hard to replace if you take your time and be VERY careful. I replaced the one on my 240D (616 2.4 4cyl) in an afternoon and that included come cleanup and other repairs. You will need a helper because it's without a doubt a two person job. I had my wife slowly turn the engine while I guided the new chain in and pulled the old chain out. It's a little nerve-racking for the few minutes it takes to get the new chain rolled in but the rest of the work is straight forward mechanic work ----- nothing to it. Check out this site http://dieselgiant.com/replacetimingchain.htm it shows you the procedure step by step.

I bought the parts as a kit (timing chain, tensioner, guides and instructions). The parts cost for the 617 5 cylinder should be just under $200 but the labor to pay someone to do it will kill you. I'm not sure what the book says as far as time but I think even an experienced Mercedes mechanic would be hard pressed to complete the job in less than 3 hours and part of the time you need two people. The $1000 price you were quoted seems a little high to me but not completely out of line. I've done my own work for 30 years so I've never paid anyone to do anything and I'm not sure what the going labor rate is.

If you don't know when the chain was last changed and the car has over 200K on it ----- changed it. If the chain fails it is a non-recoverable failure and the engine will most likely be toast. Shop around and find your best buy but get it changed, then you'll be good for anohter 200K.

Good luck,
Tony T

 

Are the chain guides in the 617 and 603 held in place by pins like the gassers?.....I still have nightmares of the pulling bolt breaking in the pin and the reverse spin extractor doing the same.