Valve stems replacement ...got stuck

[radunegru]

I was trying to replace the vave stems seals on a M103 2.6
and I got in to BIG trouble. After compresing the spring wit a nonconventional spring compressor, the little metal piece that is holding the valve in to place fell off in the timing cover. Now I am wondering if I shoud open the front timg cover to look for that metal piece or just forget about it? If that little "stranger" is goint to be caught in the chain ...it will create a lot of trouble?

[t walgamuth]

yes, it could cause trouble. perhaps low odds, but i wouldnt risk it. i once dropped a part down the front of one of my engines. i took off the pan and found it laying on a ledge right above the joint between block and pan. (not a mb) where it was it wouldn't have been a problem, ..but, better very carefully look for it, with flashlight, mirror, magnet whatever you can and if you dont find it take off the pan and keep looking til you do find it.

if it is lodged in the chain the cost can be very high. thousands of damage. i had the vacuum pump break up in one of my benzes and it cost thousands. i had no idea that the parts could fall into the chain. this is a well known fact amongst us on this website but it is not in the rapair manuals.

my $.02

tom w

[blueranger]

so i would guess you had removed the distributor and the top
timing chain cover....

I just removed the entire front cover to replace the right plastic timing chain guide and it took about 8 hours.... it was a bear...

spend 1 buck and buy a magnet on the end of an antenna stick...

stick it down and go fishing...

fish on the inside of the timing chain.... there is a second chain going to the oil pump in the bottom... fish the inside of it as well...



I question if it really went down the timing chain... that space is about 4 sq inches... and it is blocked by the chain, guide tensioner and the cam shaft sprocket.... if you were fliping a nickle and had 100 tries i would bet money against you....

so search that car like crazy.... it might have landed down on the ledge between the radiator and car....


I dont think it is possible to remove that oil pan....there is a cross member it might be possible but i have not done one yet.... if you can remove it I would take a flash light and the magnate and fish from the under side.... and dump the pan and put a new gasket on it....