Now that its been mentioned, i noticed the oil pressure guage reads around 1 when at operating temp.
I dont disagree with the ihuh of getting the car inspected, however i am a quite handy DIYer. I found the harmonic balancer job not too hard on my 89 once i got the hang of it.

So... Guides and tensioner huh.. Full timing cover top to bottom must come off?

If this became a money pit id just sell it before i spend to much on it.

Not a "money pit" more of a money "sponge".

"Mmm, sure have got the beast running fine, ya know, that interior looks a bit tatty, I bet I can get another one pretty cheap, just take a little time to change it out. So THAT'S what the rattle is, let's see, while I've got it apart I could fix this..."

'Tis a slippery slope yer on son! We've all done it and most of us are still doing it.

Owner of a (purchase prices) 1971 $300.00 250C, 1974 $250.00 280C and a 1985 $300.00 500SEL, all mostly restored to the tune of most of my sanity, gad knows how many man hours and no way I'll even compute the parts costs.

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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

If the oil pressure is at 1 when you are at idle, it's ok. While driving is no good.

To replace the guides is not a big deal. To get the crumbled bits out of the bottom of the oil pan; engine must be lifted or pulled to be able to remove the oil pan.

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Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2