It is pretty clear at this point that I will be pulling my left head and possibly my right head. See past posts on oil leaks. While I'm at it I may just go in and do the chain. I havent done this job on an MB V8 in 26 years.

I would like to know what chain guides generally wear and which ones become accessable with the heads off. I seam to recall getting at the upper 4 guides without pulling heads (Yes/No). How critical are the lower chain guides. Might it be worth pulling the front engine cover. Also how do I inspect a chain tensioner.

John Roncallo