Originally Posted by ah-kay

This is what my friend told me. The car was idling in the garage then heard a 'clunk' and the engine stopped. It will not turn over again. Remove valve cover and timing chain is no where to be seen - it is down inside. I have not seen the car but it is beyond me in any event.

Questions:

1) Which part of the engine could be damaged? Pistons crown dented possibly, cam broken, rockers broken, valve stem's bent

2) How to fish the chain out? Coat hanger, magnet, might help to remove the vacuum pump to get a better view where the chain might be

3) What it takes to fix it? New chain, tensioner, probably some or all guides at minimum. Possible crank sprocket, oil pump, cam, rockers, valves, probably not the pistons as dents are not pretty but don't effect running so much

4) Do I need to take the head off? Possibly
5) Why the engine will not turn over? Chain jammed? Yes chain is jammed, if you can get hold of an end you can sometimes gently rock the crank and lift on the chain to free things up

Any info is appreciated.