That is just the type of info I was looking for. This is my first time into a MB V8. Is it possible to see a bent valve without removing it? You said look for a loose rocker. Shouldn't all rockers not on a cam lobe be loose?

Curious how the valve would get bent. It does not look like the piece stuck in the gear is large enough to cause the chain to skip a tooth. It happened before the engine started so the RPMs were very low. Even if there was a momentary stoppage of the cam one would think there would be enough clearance. I am a firm believer that experience speaks, I am not doubting it. The backyard engineer/tinkerer in me is just wants to understand it.