I would be carefull about running your engine without oil pressure.. I know that when i run my engine after ive changed the oil, it takes a good 15-20 seconds for the oil pressure gauge to read any oil pressure.

Close, shaft driven. :)

My manual shows a chain. I will post it if I can figure out how to. The lower pan is easy enough to drop, so I will do that and take a look. Thanks

It was the chain. I pulled the lower pan as recommended. I put a photo of the broken chain in an album if anyone is interested. Thanks again for the help.

How many miles would you estimate is on that engine? Any indication of why the chain divorced itself? Are the chain sprockets really sharpened or still a little blunt on the ends? Condition of the chain tensioner have any bearing on your opinion? How much side arc is present in the chain? Perhaps you can post any comparison to your new one before you install it. A new chain has little side deflection usually.

How many miles were on the engine?

That sucks, seems to happen to 617's around the 300k mile mark.

Can't be sure about the mileage. The title and odometer said about 67,000 miles, ha ha. The sproket is sharp. When I tear down I will post some photo's, but it will be awhile.

Well figure most people who bought these cars drove a lot, so when in doubt multiply its age by 15k-20k miles a year. That should be in the ballpark.

Anybody ever use a chain with a masterlink? I read they should not be used because they rub. Autohouse sells them so I will ask them also.
http://www.***************/search/product.aspx?sid=cftvhhukbqum2t55yhv3tq30&makeid=800016@Mercedes&modelid=1193767@300DT&year=1982&cid =20@Engine%20Parts,%20Seals%20%26%20Gaskets&gid=5568@Oil%20Pump%20Chain

Does the pump turn freely by the sprocket? On the 603 a jammed oil pump will usually shear the pump driveshaft at the sprocket rather than break the chain. The 617 pump might be made of sterner stuff rendering the chain the weak link (pun intended).

Sixto
87 300D

It turns and it pushed the remaining oil out of it when I spin it.
I am not sure about the chain with the master link. The tensioner looks good as far as I can see. Both sprockets do not seem to be worn.