560SL with broken timing chain

[sokoloff]

Local paper has an ad for a 560SL that needs a new timing chain. Talked to the owner tonight and he indicates that he bought it about six months ago with the bad chain, took it to the local dealer and got a verdict that all it needed was a timing chain. I'm getting the feeling that smoke is being blown. Since this is an interference engine, is it not likely or even certain that there is serious engine damage done? Is it possible to have a chain break on it and not have any peripheral damage? He said that it broke while doing low rpm's at a stop light.

Len

[page62]

No.

Okay...I'll elaborate. It's highly doubtful. Usually, valves get bent, valve covers get smashed open, etc. Don't buy the car without an independant analysis.

[Strife]

Even if the valves are bent, but the bottom is OK, I would buy it if I got an incredible deal (like, what it would be worth with a good engine - 7,000). A lot of this depends on your mechanical skill+what kind of deal can be had. Chains seem to break on start-up and only valves get bent - but at speed, a lot could happen, like cams getting broken in half, cam bearings getting pulled out, pistons getting holed, etc.

[sokoloff]

Thanks for the replies guys. Asking price is $3900. I may go look at it and maybe even stop by and talk with the mechanic who looked at it, but chances of it showing up in my garage are very slim.

Len

[Tom McMenamin]

If you do the top end, your are looking at $4K. If you pay $3900 you got one heck of a car for $8K

[Roncallo]

Check this out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mercedes-86-91-420-or-560-Rebuilt-cylinder-heads_W0QQitemZ5579413986QQcategoryZ1467QQcmdZViewItem