I'm sorry. I don't mean to spread doom and gloom, and my real intention is to help you. I just have alot of experience with these engines. A couple of years ago a guy called me from Sacramento. He said he heard a noise and his 420SEL stopped. I told him he had bent valves which he did. I bought a 420SEL in San Francisco awhile ago. The guy was pulling away from a stop light when it quit. The valves were bent. I bought another 420SEL from a guy who said he was pullig out of his driveway when the car stalled. Tha valves were bent. I have a 380SEC sitting on my car trailer. The lady was hauling butt across a bridge when she lost power. When I pulled the head I discovered the valves were'nt bent. Because of the high speed the heads were snapped off of 4 valves. I can go on and on. My point is that if you didn't bend a valve, you are one of the luckiest SOBs on the planet. I think if you follow my steps in the earlier post, you will reduce the risk of bending a valve if they are all still good. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask for advice. I could explain exactly what goes wrong with these engines and why, but the topic has been well covered in earlier threads.

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

I definetly agree with this. No question whatsoever, you are VERY lucky. However, I also believe there is no question you DONT have bent valves. Your engine didn't stop at any point, it didn't lose power. It clacks loudly from where your chain is not riding right. Put the new chain and rails and tensioner on it, and drive it for years to come!

You're right!

I guess I am the luckiest SOB on the planet

I put in a new chain, guides, tensioner, oiler kit and it runs like a champ!

Brrrr cold A/C too

I just can't get past the feeling that something is going to happen but I'll cross my fingers and toes

THANKS!

congrats!

I sent you a private message, btw

Not pretty.

http://www.import-car.com/ic/ic40024.htm

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Congrats and don't bother keeping your fingers crossed. Except for the timing chain issue, that's a bullet proof engine. You may experience an oil usage problem due to guides, but that is not real common.

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Auto Zentral Ltd.