Well, I'm in the middle of attempting to change out the guides on the '86 420 SEL. When I took off the driver's side valve cover, I noticed the top pieces of the guides were broken off. Once I removed the distributor and PS pump, I started to use the bolt/washer/socket method of pulling out the pins. They won't seem to budge! As I'm standing scratching my head, I decided to fiddle with what was left of the most accessible guide - it was completely broken! The middle section came out in my hand, the parts that the pins go through are gone. So, here I am now, trying to fish out the bits that are visible down the bottom of the timing chain and I wonder if this engine will be OK to run without the guides (at least to a mechanic). I mean, who knows how long the guide has been broken up like this, the parts are all stained where they broke apart.

Advise graciously accepted!

Happy Easter,
Geno.