M117 V8 Timing Chain Upper Guide Rail Replacement Kit

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Save your engine regardless of mileage if this job has not been done in the last 15 years

PLEASE NOTE: Manual(s) are now available in PDF format and are available for viewing when you log into your account at Mercedessource. No printed manuals are shipped.For all 4.5, 5.0 and 5.6 liter V8 engines from 1972 to 1991 (excluding the W140 500SEL). This includes the 280SE 4.5, 280SEL 4.5, 300SEL 4.5, 450SE, 450SEL (excluding 6.9), 450SL, 450SLC, 500SEC, 500SEL, 560SL, 560SEL, and 560SEC. These THREE are the upper (and easily accessible) plastic guide rails that most often break due to age and heat. When they break, they can cause the timing chain to "jump" the sprocket, which will allow the pistons to come up and hit and bend the valves, or WORSE, if it happens at high speed!!!  As seen on Cherry. CLICK HERE to watch the full video series on Kent’s R107 rolling restoration.

M117 V8 Timing Chain Upper Guide Rail Replacement Kit
$72.50
SKU:
GEG-117GUIDERAILKIT
Free Add-Ons Included:

Preventing Catastrophic V8 Engine Failure .pdf Download - by Kent Bergsma

How to Use Kent's Guide Rail Pin Removal Tool - On Demand Video

Product Details

Kit contains:

  • 3 correct upper guide rails ( one on the right side and two on the left side)
  • Special easy-out guide rail pin removal and installation tool
  • PDF DIGITAL DOWNLOAD on Preventing V8 Engine Failure manual included! 

Effective 4/17/25, this kit will include Kent's new "easy-out" guide pin removal tool. These pins have to come out to remove the guide rails, and if you don't have this tool, it is nearly impossible to remove them with the engine in the car. A new video instruction is now included covering all the details on using this new tool.

PLEASE NOTE: The manual covers more than just installing the upper guide rails. It also includes instructions on installing the oiler tube clips and replacing the timing chain without opening up the engine. As a bonus feature, it includes instructions on adjusting the valves on 1969 to 1976 3.5 and 4.5-liter engines. 

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$32.50

M116 and M117 V8 Valve Cover Service / Oil Leak Fix Kit

For all single overhead camshaft V8 engines from 1969 to 1991

This is a VERY common maintenance item on the older Mercedes V8 engines. If they are too old they will leak. If they are not put on properly they will leak. If you do any maintenance (ie, valve adjustment, clip replacement, timing chain, guides, etc), you should have this kit on hand.

$18.95

Preventing Catastrophic V8 Engine Failure - by Kent Bergsma

BACK IN PRINT -- FEBRUARY 2025

Applies to the following chassis: 111, 108, 109, 107, 116, and 126. Includes 3.5, 4.5, 350, 380, 450, 500, 420, and 560 V8 engines from 1970 to 1991. When Mercedes introduced their small 3.5-liter V8 in 1970, it was hailed as a technological breakthrough in automotive engine design.

$44.50

V8 Gas and Early Diesel Engine Timing Chain Guide Rail Pin Removal Tool

New Version 2. For 3.5 4.5 380 420 500 560 V8s - 220D 240D 300D 300CD 300TD 300SD

This is a must-have tool if you own a 1970 to 1991 M116 or M117 V8 engine. It will also work on older six-cylinder gas and four and 5-cylinder engines from the 1960s up through 1985. Note: The included video instructions only cover removal and installation of the pin.