piratefishka

Engine threw a cam chain on my birthday. Imagine that. It is a 1997 4.2 interference engine. I am told that the valves are probably bent and have banged up pistons. Here is the thing; I didn't hear anything when it went. It just stopped abruptly. I was only traveling at 25mph. Is there any hope of salvaging this engine or should I just find a replacement. It has 175000 miles on it. Is there any method to check the condition of the valves without removing the head?
If the pistons are good does it make sense to get a new set of heads? I assume I would have to get two.
What are my engine options?

Lancelot

IF you're handy enough or can get some help, I would scout for a used engine and transfer most surrounding parts, like starter, alternator, A/C compressor, sensors, wiring etc. from your broken engine...

RobertG

Valves can bend even at idle speed, It's probably best to put a new chain on it and then do compression check

Btw. Happy Birthday!

piratefishka

Thanks for the reply. I might try that. If I end up getting a replacement engine I will replace the chains anyway. They are spendy at $150 each.

stickygreen

That's scary...have 250k+ on our '97 e320 with original unopened engine, which of course has the original timing chain. Is timing chain failure a common occurrence on these cars when approaching/surpassing 200k miles?

piratefishka

I bought the car with 123k. I was told that the TC were replaced when I bought the car and it was regularly serviced. A mechanic told me that the TC should be replaced at 120k and more frequently thereafter. So you are definately on borrowed time. In my case, the person I bought the car from probably got charged for parts that were never installed as these chains are normally very reliable. Your engine is proof of that. Once the timing chain goes the engine canot be economically repaired. Timing chain failure is the one thing that can completely ruin the engine.

piratefishka

Thanks for the info. Are you saying you have a set of heads for sale?
If so I may be interested. I need to pull out the old heads and see what condition my pistons are in before I pick up a set of heads.