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

[kowached]

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

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

[suginami]

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'

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

[MikeTangas]

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 .

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