Southern Son,

Thanks for posting this thread. I apologize for not responding as an experienced chain breaker as you requested. I also hope you recieve some replies from those with first hand experience. This is a very interesting subject for me as well.

Michael,

I continue to study your photograph. It's interesting the way the pin seemed to pull loose. When the engine failed did it seem to lock up all of a sudden in any way? The reason I ask is, by looking at the chain it almost makes you think that something happened to lock up the camshaft causing the chain to be "yanked loose". Only a thought, you're the one that's living through this. We are all just interested in learning from this, and want to help if we can.

Everyone,

Michael said the chain had been recently changed, notice the color of the chains side plates. Is this possibly an inferior aftermarket chain? I just got a new aftermarket chain for my M103 and it's sideplates are the same color. I'm a little concerned. Any comments?

Good luck,