Mercedes Sprinter Oil Pump Drive Chain – Iwis | NCV3 & VS30 3.0L OM642 | #0039977494 (2007–2022)

A stretched or worn oil pump drive chain on a Sprinter OM642 allows the oil pump to lag behind crankshaft speed under load — reducing oil flow at the moments of peak demand and causing the intermittent low oil pressure that precedes bearing and turbocharger damage. This is the Iwis oil pump drive chain for NCV3 and VS30 Sprinters equipped with the 3.0L OM642 V6 diesel engine, a direct OEM-equivalent replacement that restores precise mechanical synchronization between the crankshaft and oil pump.

What This Part Does

The oil pump drive chain connects the crankshaft sprocket to the oil pump sprocket, transmitting the crankshaft's rotational energy directly to the oil pump at a fixed ratio. This chain-driven arrangement ensures the oil pump output is always proportional to engine speed — delivering more oil at higher RPM when demand is greater and less at idle when demand is lower. The chain uses a 46-link roller chain construction with a master link for serviceability, and runs in the oil-bathed lower engine environment where it is continuously lubricated during operation. Despite this favorable environment, chains stretch with accumulated mileage as the roller pins and bushings wear — increasing link pitch, reducing pump speed relative to crankshaft speed, and causing the gradual reduction in oil pressure that may not trigger the oil pressure warning light until bearing damage has already begun.

Common Symptoms of a Worn Oil Pump Drive Chain

• Gradually decreasing oil pressure at idle on a hot engine — the most common presentation
• Oil pressure that is normal when cold but drops at operating temperature and idle
• Rattling or chattering from the lower engine area at idle from a slack, worn chain
• Low oil pressure warning during extended idling in traffic with a hot engine
• Oil pump chain found stretched beyond specification during engine bottom-end inspection

When to Replace

Replace during any engine bottom-end service — the chain is inexpensive relative to the consequences of pump underperformance on a freshly rebuilt engine. Also replace when the oil pump is being replaced, as a new pump on a worn drive chain will not deliver the full output the pump is capable of. Inspect the drive sprockets at the crankshaft and oil pump for wear at the same time.

NCV3 & VS30 OM642 Specific — VIN Verification Required

This oil pump drive chain fits NCV3 and VS30 Sprinters equipped with the 3.0L OM642 V6 diesel engine. It also fits a broad range of other Mercedes-Benz diesel engines from the OM601 through OM648 families. Always verify your engine code and VIN before ordering. Contact us and we'll confirm fitment before you buy.

Fitment

• 2007–2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3/W906)
• 2007–2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3)
• 2007–2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3)
• 2019–2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (VS30/W907)

✔ 46 links with master link
✔ Also fits multiple other Mercedes diesel engine families (OM601–OM648)
✔ Replace drive sprockets if worn during chain service

Part Numbers

• Mercedes OEM: 0039977494 / A0039977494 / 003-997-74-94
• Manufacturer: Iwis — 50053766 / 50043200
• SKU: 0039977494