Just pulled engine out of wife's 84 190E 2.4 8V. Chain tensioner plastic cover and chain rail had broken and fallen into oil pan. Engine was running before I pulled it with 145 to 155 lbs. of compression per cylinder. There was metal in the oil from the chain rubbing against the bear tensioner. Do you think I can get by with just replacing the timing chain, tensioner, rails ect,,. or will I need to rebuild the motor? Also I am a bit confused, when I pulled off the lower crank gear I found a small round piece of metal in the key way that looked like it was sheared from the crank.Would this of been the key that holds the crank gear. How do I go About replacing it?

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Karl Rich

How long did it run after the chain gear let go (not long I would imagine)? What would have caused the crank timing gear key to shear? You've got to find the reason for the destruction. Metal schrapnel in the oil is not always an end event ( oil filter and oil pump screen), but it all will need a good cleaning, ie pull the base, good solvent spray, etc. What are the miles on the motor. This should drive your decision to overhaul vs. repair noted damage.

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Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE