Broken timing guide - Help needed 1989 560SL
 

I have posted this same issue in benzworld.org, and wanted to post here as well to get more information for my next steps.

The issue is that the left inboard guide broke off and the broken piece has fallen at the bottom of timing case. I tried fishing it out using a pickup tool and can get a grab at it but will not pass through the gears as there is no room. A couple of pictures are attached for reference. One shows the broken guide. The other shows where the broken piece has fallen to.

My plan is to try and fish it out from the driver's side. Using a USB endoscope for visual, a pickup tool and a locking clamp, hopefully I can get this done.

Pls let me know your thoughts. Also, looking for a picture on the inside cavity of the timing case for a better understanding on how the broken piece might get caught in the timing chain and cause a big problem.

Remove both valve covers , set to top dead center mark at timing pully lower, uppers marks are hash lines, remove at right side , tensioner, removed nut at left camshaft , heatup gear , it helps , and use a plastic hammer or puller and remove left sprocket noting key way as it fits two ways only 1 way is right , then take pins out at 2 for each rail, removeold rail and remove broken piece.

another way to fish it out is to trap it in the chain and crank it out BY HAND! you don't want to leave it and you don't want to jump the chain if you do leave it. in the 126s, I always drop the oil pan to get the broken bits. 107-good luck-me, never had to. been lucky enough to change chains and rails in those before anything gets broken. good luck, chuck.

Thank you for the feedback. That is what I have tried doing but cannot get the broken piece to go past the gear that is in the way. What do you think about removing the broken piece from the right? There is no sprocket there that is in the way but not sure how much space really is in there. And will I be able to access the broken piece from the right given that it fell from the left side?