Pivot Pins! (560 SEL)
 

Here is one for the pros:

I just went back into my 560 SEL's timing chain setup, in order to do the driver's side rails.

When I put in the new pins on the other side, I sis not have to pound them in with a screw and a hammer. They just slipped in, snugly, but no force needed. I figured they'd expand and become snug. Also, I figured the altenator mounting plate would keep them in place.

Now as I removed the valve cover on the passanger's side, I realized the top pin had worked itself out, and the rail was only held in place by the bottom pin!!!!

DO I HAVE THE WRONG PINS????

(Thank GOD I found this. This was a timebomb wainting to happen!)

UPDATE
 

I found the pivot pin sticking out into the altenator bracket. I had a new pin from a dealership here in DC that I had bought. It looked slightly different, so I thought maybe there was a part sourcing problem. However, it also did not go in tightly.

I finally decided to let a bolt, screwed into the pin, stick out to help keep it in place using pressure from the altenator mounting flange. This is a highly temporary fix.

It is now clear that I have a problem with the pivot pin holes on my right side cylinder head. Does anyone know of oversized pins? Has this happened to anyone else?

Thanks!