Are you experiencing a malfunction in the timing chain of your Mercedes? Inspect the plastic guide rail to see if it is in good condition. Your Mercedes-Benz is designed with sophistication to provide a smooth ride, and as you know, every car needs some level of maintenance to perform optimally. One of the smaller components that are rarely paid attention to yet are very important in your engine’s functioning is the plastic timing chain guide rail. This chain links or connects the camshaft to the crankshaft to ensure the engine’s valves open and close correctly.
When this plastic guide rail is broken, it results in timing chain problems, decreased performance, and even complete engine failure if not repaired on time. Here, we will look at the signs showing that your Mercedes plastic guide rail is failing, the impact of a faulty guardrail on your car, and where you should go to solve the problem without spending a lot of money.
Signs of Mercedes Plastic Guide Rail Failure
- Rattling or Clicking Noises from the Engine: A rattle or a click from the engine is perhaps the first and most apparent sign of a faulty plastic guide rail. This occurs when the guard rail wears out or breaks, leading to the loosening of the timing chain. The chain can bang against the engine parts, resulting in unusual sounds, especially when starting the car or accelerating.
- Check Engine Light Turns On: If the plastic guide rail is wearing out, the check engine light will probably turn on. The timing chain is a component of the vehicle’s timing system, which is monitored by the vehicle’s computer, and it will inform you that something is wrong with the timing chain. A diagnostic scan can help identify whether the timing system is the issue or not.
- Plastic Debris in Oil: When the plastic in the guide rail wears out, small pieces of plastic may flake off into the engine oil. This can result in oil contamination and, consequently, reduced lubrication and wear of other engine parts. If the mechanic notices particles of plastic in the oil during an oil change, this may indicate that the guide rail is deteriorating.
How Failure of the Plastic Guide Rail Impacts Mercedes’s Performance
- Decreased Performance: The engine may not function properly if the timing chain is loose due to a worn-out guide rail. This is because the engine will struggle to deliver power as it used to, leading to poor acceleration and lower fuel efficiency.
- Wear and Tear on the Engine Parts: A faulty guide rail adds pressure on the timing chain, the sprockets, and the tensioners. This puts extra stress on these parts, and over time, it shortens their lifespan and causes them to need repairs more often.
- Risk of Sudden Engine Shutdown: The guide rail is a critical component of the timing chain, and if it fails, it can snap or shift out of place, resulting in sudden engine shutdowns. This can be very risky, particularly when the car is moving at high speeds on the road.
- Damages That Can Cost Heavily If Not Fixed Early: Repairing a plastic guide rail that is starting to fail is usually cheaper than repairing it after it has reached its breaking point. If the timing chain jumps out of position, it will cause bent valves, damaged or scuffed pistons, and many more complex damages. In the worst case, the whole engine may require replacement, which can cost a lot of money.
Speak to the Mercedes Specialists at European Motor Cars
If your Mercedes-Benz has some issues with 
the plastic guide rails, do not wait until the problem reaches the level of an engine breakdown. European Motor Cars has served Las Vegas, NV, as a premier auto repair shop specializing in Mercedes-Benz vehicles for over three decades. Our well-qualified experts can identify problems in the timing chain system and rectify them before they lead to a significant impact on the performance of the car. Whether you are in Las Vegas, Summerlin, or Spring Valley, Nevada, we are here to ensure that your Mercedes is in its top shape. You should give us a call today and book an appointment so that you do not incur expensive engine repairs.
* Mercedes Benz AMG Car image credit goes to: photosvit.