yup !

TURBODIESEL SAID

"If your valve cover is cracked, the pistons hit, valves bent and your camshaft is probably in 2 or 3 peices."

You got that right. Amazing to see a quality piece of steel like that camshaft sheered in half.

I'm going to have to do something with the head obviously.
Have mine rebuilt ?
Buy a used one ? Rebuild it ?

brandoncrone I'm a long way from your neck of the woods and I'm hoping I can find something closer to home. Thanks for the sympathy and I may call you on your offer if I'm unsuccessful locally.

Tom you said

"Valve cover breaking where it did would seem to be the timing chain. However, like a surgeon doing exploratory surgery you will need to at least remove the valve cover to actually see what broke. After removing the valve cover, other parts will need to be removed to find out what went wrong and find all the parts that are damaged. This process can include a complete engine tear down depending on how extensive the damage is."

Well . . . hmmm ?
Can you tell me how to check below the head for damage.
I guess it's self-evident that if the camshaft is broken then the valves are toast too ?
And that I need a refurbished head ?
I know I can check the piston tops once I pull the head but the other stuff ( rods, bearings, crankshaft itself) ?
Is there a method for diagnosing those items without a complete teardown ?
Appreciating your time and careful replies very much.

jim