I was changing my timing chain and had the vice grip on the left side while moving the other side vice grip the chain dropped into the opening. I finagled it out with wire and clips but now the chain has skipped about 4 or five links the other side is stil in the same spot though. Any thoughts suggestions or brilliant ideas at this point would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

We don't know what engine you are working on. Also, does "left side" mean "driver's side"?

When I disassembled my failed 1985 300D engine (OM617.952), it appeared that a bolt going up thru the bottom of the "timing cover" (actually part of the block casting in these) keeps the timing chain from skipping a tooth at the bottom of the "timing device" (where IP & vacuum pump are powered). Your chain might be kinked on the crankshaft side. If so, a little finagling should free it. I would pull the lower oil pan, since that is easy, and you can probably then see the problem and free it. Good time to check the oil pump chain and tensioner too. Worst-case, you might have to remove the oil pump and front main bearing block, but you can do that w/ just the lower pan off. Of course this is only for those w/ an OM617.952 turbo engine.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

Big problem. You may need to remove the vacuum pump because it is spring loading the chain. Get some pictures on how the chain wrap round the various components and go from there. Good luck.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

i dont know how to help this situation other than what has been said - but i feel for you.

go slow, and if you are super frustrated leave it for another day. theres enough knowledge here to get you back to good.

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car

Which side did you drop it on, drivers or pass? If 617 or 606 engine there is no way it has fallen away from crank sprocket. You do have tensioner out don't you?

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Jim

Thank you all, dieseldan44 thank you for the reassurance.

When i was referring to the position of the engine i would be looking at it from the front of the vehical. The motor is the 616 what does IP stand for? I was so close to just removing the head completely. Im glad i walked away. I will try removing the oil pan and fix it from there.