I took off the valve cover and the timing chain is definately gone. I can see it all bound up under the gear on the cam.

I too am wondering why it still cranks so smooth. There was no big noise, just the usual kick from the slow shift on the tranny. No big clicking, or crunching. None of the valves are fully open. I think I may be lucky, probably speaking too soon.

You may not hear any noise when you crank (like pistons hitting valves) because all the noise was made when the timing chain broke @ redline and the valves are now "modified."

Ya, but I mean I didn't hear anything when it broke. Any tips or tricks to doing the timing chain. My plan of attack was to pull the head off, and check what's what. replace valves and pistons if I have to, then re assemble, new chain. Never done this on anything this big or complex. Any tips would be appreciated.

found the leak in the vacuum system

No tips except to say that reving a mb motor to the redline once shouldn't break anything. It was ready to go anyway.

A benz is built to run flat out on the autobahn for hours on end.

Tom W

Might be cheaper to find a good used engine from SilverStar Recycling or Potomac German Auto. I've seen M103's as low as $500 for a short-block.

:-) neil

That was going to be my suggestion..... heck it might even be cheaper to just find another W124, pull the engine and have a parts car.

used car for under 1,000$ is the way to go. They're out there, especially in NY.
Driving it north and then parting it out should be easy enough.

-CTH