Timing Chain Guide - Big Problem
 

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.

You would have to pay me around 4-5k* to do that which you propose.

In other words: No way!


* the least amount it will cost to fix whatever is going to break.

Rats! I was hoping for a reply more like "just don't rev it over 1500 RPM" or something less definative.

So, as this has obviously been broken up for quite some time is it just lucky that nothing catastrophic has happened? Have we been playing Russian Roulette?

Yeah dude, you got very lucky, probably the entire engine was saved by that last piece of guide!

DO NOT DRIVE IT WITHOUT A GUIDE!

PAY $100 TO TOW IT!
NOT $3000+ TO REBUILD IT

Well, the tow cost $45.00 CAD. Mechanic walked around the car saying how good shape it was in and pointed out any crap replacement parts that had been added and suggested changing some of them right away.

He's replacing 4 timing chain guides, timing chain (timing out by about 15 degrees!), valve stem seals, 6 rocker arms (just starting to get pitted), a brake vacuum hose (back of engine) all the clear plastic vacuum lines that are brittle and cracked, vacuum check valve, radiator cap, brake system flush and doing an oil change. Total bill will be about $1200 CAD or about $1K US including all parts and labour.

Car will be ready at 5:00 tonight. Not bad considering everything was closed yesterday for an unofficial holiday.

WOW!

Like a new car!

That sounds like a good deal. But is he doing to pull the cover and get all the broken pieces out.

John Roncallo

Well, I just stopped by to pick the car up - it won't be ready for another hour. He's got all the bits spread out on a cloth on the floor next to the car and it looks like enough bits to put together 4 guides. He's also replaced the chain tensioner (no extra charge) and suggests the governor be replaced sometime soon for $200 CAD as it's leaking gas.

He thinks I should take the car back from the kid and keep it for myself, I'm thinking I might want to! :D