I can't see any numbers on the timing plate. 300CD checking chain stretch.
Pic attached (I hope)

__________________
Thanx,
Alberta Luthier
1983 300CD ('Stinky')155k miles, 2.47 diff, EGR removed, AAZ injectors with 265 nozzles from Sean,and vogtland lowering springs.
1984 300SD ('Old Blue')150k Klicks from Japan originally, came with rear head rests, no sunroof and never had an EGR

pic didn't go, trimmed it more, 58 kb

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Thanx,
Alberta Luthier
1983 300CD ('Stinky')155k miles, 2.47 diff, EGR removed, AAZ injectors with 265 nozzles from Sean,and vogtland lowering springs.
1984 300SD ('Old Blue')150k Klicks from Japan originally, came with rear head rests, no sunroof and never had an EGR

So what am I asking? I am not sure really. I can't see any numbers there, can you? I was hoping for about 11 degrees if I understood how to measure the timing chain stretch. Am I the only one? Do you have numbers? Why the heck did someone bother putting on a number plate, without numbers?
(looks like the way they build houses now)
The car runs pretty good but I really would like to KNOW that the timing chain is AOK

__________________
Thanx,
Alberta Luthier
1983 300CD ('Stinky')155k miles, 2.47 diff, EGR removed, AAZ injectors with 265 nozzles from Sean,and vogtland lowering springs.
1984 300SD ('Old Blue')150k Klicks from Japan originally, came with rear head rests, no sunroof and never had an EGR

* The timing (degree) markings are on the outer edge of the harmonic balancer, part of the front crank pulley. You may need a little brush and some carb cleaner or solvent to clean off the outer edge. The timing marks are large and difficult to miss.
* Since you're looking at chain stretch you've got the valve cover off. Line up the cam alignment marks (first cyl cam lobes will be pointing upwards, i.e. valves closed). Then look at the crank timing at the pointer on the front cover. If you can't see the degrees clearly, try the brush and solvent.

__________________
ASE Master Tech
Quality Enterprises
Mercedes Svc. & Restoration
Sheridan, IN
317.769.3536

You are in the right place. It appears that the engine needs to be rotated around until you see the marks. They only appear within +/- 30 degrees of TDC.