Found timing rail in two pieces, lucky?
 

I am in the process of changing the timing rails on w126 500 V8 and started on the left side(driver's) of motor. Took out the outside rail and replaced it. When I removed the 2 pins on the inside rail only the top half came out, the other half is still in the motor. This was a running motor until I started to change the rails and chain as a preventative measure, since the chain had 9 dgrees stretch and the color was bad on the rails. I know I have to get the other half out and hope it is in one piece. Unfortunately, I don't have a second car to go and get a longer pair of visegrips. I can't unwire the chain for fear it will drop down off the lower gear and it is in the way. Any suggestions? Has anyone encountered this before on a running engine? I think I know which rail breaks now!
Woody

Not an answer, just another question. Sorry
 

Woody,
How many miles are on your W126, and what year is it? Timing chain rails have been getting a lot of posts lately, and I'm just trying to gauge when I need to buck up and do that job as well.

275k on the engine, but it had work done on it before I bought it 2 years ago. Was just trying to avoid having the rails break in service and that was why I undertook this job starting friday afternoon. Unfortunately I need this car running as I am stranded without a car.
Woody

update on dilema
 

I managed to spread the timing chain so I can get my hands or a tool in there to grab the broken rail. It is STUCK!! Afraid to drop it further down into the motor so now I have to go to Napa(walk 2 miles each way) and pick up a pair of visegrips with 4" needle nose jaws and try to pull that sucker out. Wish me luck. Beats having to replace a broken head after the chain jumps, though.
Woody

2 miles one way? That's not too bad. Exercise is good for your health.

I run a course that is almost 5 miles nearly everyday, and can do it in 35-40 minutes, depending on the weather, how I feel, etc.

Just lace up the New Balance, and get humpin'

SUCCESS!!!
 

Finally got the broken piece out. Will resume this miserable job first light tomorrow.
Woody

You need to invest in a set of 12" needle nose. They come in real handy for reaching down into tight spots, and especially useful for connecting vacuum lines under the intake ;).

Mike Tangas
 

Unfortunately, somehow when I first discovered the broken piece and tried to extract it with my long needle nose pliers, it became jammed somehow. I didn't push it but it jammed nevertheless. The only place I know to buy 12" needle nose pliers is Snap On. I went to Napa and bought long needle nose vicegrips and they did the trick. Without a car, I have to walk or take the bus. No one is around during the day when I need tools, etc.
Woody