Yeah, I dont know. I believe you about the pieces shattering off. But I have a sidesump pan. That's how I removed the pieces of the liner I found. So, if I get the timing cover off, and pieces fall down into the pan, I can easily remove them. Would be interesting to try though...

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1987 300SDL #1, 1987 300SDL #2, 1980 240D, 1982 300SD, 1994 S350, 1990 350SDL, 1991 350SD, 1985 300D, 2005 E320CDI

Gone, but not forgotten: 1981 300SD, 1982 300SD, 1987 300SDL, 1983 300TD, 1980 300CD, 1981 300SD #2, 1987 300D, 1987 300TDT, 1980 300D