Timing chain replacement: Mercedes-Benz eng. 2.1 CDI (611.981, 611.983, 611.987)

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes 208, CDI, |, 211, 213, 308, 311, 313, 408, 411, 413

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: locking tool

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• If the locking clamp has been pulled off it must be renewed

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📐 50 workshop diagrams for 611.981

Real factory drawings for this job — timing marks, bolt locations and routing. Locked in the free view.

📋 Procedure

1. Disconnect the battery earth cable
2. Disconnect the vacuum hose
3. Timing chain separating tools:
4. Turn the engine until the chain connecting link shows
5. Timing chain assembly tools:

6. Timing chain assembly tools:
7. Remove the cylinder head cover trim
8. Disconnect the injector wiring
9. Remove the injection lines
10. Remove the leak-oil lines
11. Remove the fuel injector clamps
12. Remove the injectors
13. Use the special tools
14. Disconnect the crankcase breather hose
15. Disconnect the Hall sensor wiring
16. Disconnect the glow plug connectors
17. Remove the special tool
18. Renew the seal
19. Remove the cylinder head cover
20. Turn the crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
21. Lock the inlet camshaft gearwheel
22. Lock the inlet camshaft gearwheel
23. Check the timing marks
24. Remove the turbocharger heat shield
25. Remove the chain tensioner
26. Remove the camshafts
27. Fit the camshafts
28. Separate the timing chain
29. Remove the camshaft locking tool
30. Remove the special tools
31. Pull the removed timing chain pins out of the chain separating tool
32. Renew the gaskets
33. Tighten the bolts by hand
34. Check the gasket position
35. Refit the injectors
36. Apply sealant
37. Renew the seals
38. Refit the fuel injector clamps
39. Renew the bolt(s)
40. Tighten the clamp bolt(s)
41. Stage 1:
42. Stage 2:
43. Reconnect the fuel return line
44. Note: If the locking clamp has been pulled off it must be renewed
45. Tighten the cylinder head cover bolts
46. Reconnect the glow plug electrical connectors
47. Refit the wiring loom to the cylinder head
48. Reconnect the Hall sensor wiring
49. Refit the overflow pipe
50. Refit the crankcase breather hose
51. Refit the injection lines
52. Reconnect the injector wiring
53. Refit the cylinder head cover trim
54. Refit the bracket
55. Refit the mixing chamber housing with EGR valve
56. Renew the seals
57. Tighten the bolts
58. Use new nut(s)
59. Tighten the nut
60. Reconnect the vacuum hose
61. Refit the air hose
62. Reconnect the battery earth cable

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