If I remember correctly the 2.3 M102 has a domed top head and piston arrangement - I guess the chances of losing a valve in the head are limited with that configuration so long as the piston is at TDC. I know for a fact the compression ratio is such that if the chain breaks interference will result. The M102 is not a "safe engine". However, having never done this before myself I guess it is best to follow the FSM advice.

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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!