So the head is off the block in my garage. I can't seem to get the timing chain past the guide. Do I need one of these? Any other way?

This is the spare head which I'm going to have ported.

It can be done. You'll need a long bolt or piece of all thread to screw into the pin, I seem to remember 5mm when as I recall my experiences. Gather several washer with large outside diameters for bearing on the block and large enough inside diameters to accommodate the 'passage,' of the pin as it comes out. You'll need a series of washers of different outside diameters to graduate from the small nuts to the much larger 'passage,' washers.

__________________
84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

I replaced the upper timing chain guide, w/ just the valve cover off. I used a metric bolt and stacked washers to pull the lower pin out (like many posts). I removed all the pins when I stripped down my failed 1985 OM617. Same method. I wouldn't touch the lower guide rails unless in that deep (timing gear off, ...). I think they are just to minimize rattles.

__________________
1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

Well I broke a small bolt off inside the pin- but I have left handed bits and a extractor. Didn't need the extractor- just a punch and the bit plus a needlenose pliers. I used some acetone /ATF mix over the area and the pin just started to spin. Ugh. I tried a different nut/washer set up and a pry bar with success. The head is off!

I apologize for not being clear about how to get that pin out.

__________________
84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

no worries... I got it out before midnight.

They're tricky. If you don't get enough thread into it you'll strip the threads.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Glad I didn't do that!

I changed the injectors and used a wire wheel to clean/polish lots of stuff. Back in the early 2000's I had a super shiny engine in a 1980 300TD. Never going to be that clean but I did a bit today. Still not all together and running yet but soon.