Hello im looking at 87 300d with a broken timming chain ! how much trouble could this be ? other than replacing a chain ? The chain is in the oil pan where it made a small hole, the rest of the looks good
Thanks Jim

I would think it might have done more damage to the engine than the timing chain ending up in the oil pan..

__________________
2000 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke 4x4
2006 Mazda Tribute
1983 Black 300 D (donated to charity)
1993 Teal 300 D (160K) Sold
"I love the smell of burnt diesel fuel in the morning, it smells like ....VICTORY"

Semper Fidelis
USMC 1973-1976

The OM603 is an interference engine. There's a good chance of bent valves. The engine has to come out or be lifted to replace the main oil pan (if that's where the hole is) so there's little point in not pulling the head to do a good job of it. You can replace the chain then do a leakdown test but that's a lot of work and cost up front with a $1000+ variable of rebuilding the head hanging in the balance.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

You will be looking at rebuilding at least the head, and possibly more damage, which would be determined after the head was removed. Timing chains failing equals bent engine internals.

I would skip it and look elsewhere unless it's a killer deal, you want to invest a good amount of money in it, use as a parts car, or have a spare engine to put in it.

How many miles? Unless its under $1000, skip it. Whatever you think it may cost to fix it, double that number, then figure if it's worth it.