Greetings:
I was in the middle of a timing chain replacement, and had hooked the new chain to the old and began cranking my socket wrench but I could not get the crankshaft to move. (It moved when I lined up the timing marks before I started this project) I had covered the openings with rags and have accounted for the old chain parts after grinding out the link, so I don't think anything fell in. At one point, just after grinding out the link, the chain fell into the opening next to the tensioner, but I fished it out easily. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John

How did you hook the new chain to the old chain?

I used the new link that came with the new chain, secured with the tiny circlips.-John

Are you turning the motor clockways? Standing in front of the car looking at motor?

Yes, I was able to turn it clockwise to check timing marksbefore I started the procedure, although, I tried turning it counter-clockwise after it got stuck, thinking it could be un-stuck..John

Is the tensioner removed?

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Prost!

I removed the tensioner earlier in the procedure as I was going to replace it, but then reinstalled the old one after the problem occurred John

you likely jumped a couple of teeth, at this point , get the tool that will allow you to remove the rocker arms , that way there is no danger of valves hitting the pistons , then you should be able to install chain, make sure all soarkplugs are removed if you get it free install your chain , then go back and set the timing to specs

One possibility is that when you dropped the chain it came off the crank sprocket it didn't reseat correctly, so you lost timing once you turned it.
The only other possibility I can think of that the chain somehow got jammed or stuck on the guides after it fell.

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Prost!

Thanks everyone for the input-might just remove front case for a look..John

That would be the LAST RESORT on a timing chain/guide replacement.

At this point, best bet is to remove all the rockers and retime as already stated.

You can try to back off the crank, usually 90 degree's off of top and retime the cams... be very careful...

Pulling the front cover on a m117 is a job and problematic at best.
Truly not being ugly, if you botched the chain you dont even want to think about pulling the t/c cover...