Another reason to change your timing chain
 

Hi every one

The chain jumped on the left bank of this 560.

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/...k/DSCF0015.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/...k/DSCF0017.jpg

Damage to the block on #8 cylinder.

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/...k/DSCF0022.jpg

The head on #8 cylinder.

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/...k/DSCF0035.jpg

Nice view of the water jacket and the thickness of the cylinder walls.

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/...k/DSCF0038.jpg

Cylinder wall on #7 has also cracks. A valve broke in this cylinder too.

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/...k/DSCF0004.jpg

The piston of #8 cylinder.

how many miles on the chain? thanks, chuck.

Not sure.
The car had 170000 to 180000 k on the odometer.

if the odometer works, that's kinda low for a chain break. i'm used to seeing them break at about 120-125k miles. yours was 99-105k miles. and i've not seen an engine destroyed like that, either. usually it's just 4 bent valves. but, that's why i like to pull covers on all v8s i see for the first time and cars i know, every oil change after 100k miles. thanks, chuck.

Changing the chain doesn't really do anything for you if the rest of the system is bad. Conversely there's really no reason to change the chain if the rest of the system is good. The car most likely had original nylon chain guides.

ouch !
 

ugly photos of damage,, Question,, just got my new timing chain,, it came with the master link that needs the peening rivet tool,, of which I do not have,, noted that there is a master link that uses the clip retainer ,,for $25 I would prefer to use the easy link type , any down side to the link clip type ? ty

Dave you can use a ball peen hammer to "peen" the edges of the master link after it is assembled and accomplish the same thing as the press tool.

At about 260k miles I replaced the head gasket on my 95 E300 and while I had it apart I went ahead and replaced all the slides/guides. I just (within the past month) rolled in a new chain at 285k miles. It was still on the original chain:).

Are you saying a meticulously cared-for engine is less likely to experience chain issues prematurely? Or would you say it is the luck of the draw? I have pulled apart an OM602 at 247K with very little chain wear (or "stretch") yet there was wear on the guides. Having it apart, I replaced chain and upper guides, with the exception of the slightly worn banana rail, omitting that chore since I didn't pull the timing cover.

Tool is available for rent on the tools forum, I believe.