Jim Grant's Tech Tips

Mercedes 380 SEL, Lost Timing Chain

Q: I was changing the timing chain on a Mercedes 380 SEL and I have dropped the lower part of it in to the engine. Is there a way to retrieve it without tearing the motor down?

Bob

A: I would rather hit my head on a hood hook and need stitches than to deal with the problem you have. The sump (biggest part of the oil pan) is at the front of this engine. What about hooking a magnet on the end of a coat hanger and may be fishing it out? The oil pan is aluminum so the magnet should move around easy enough. If you lose the magnet it won’t be that big a deal because you’ll still have to unbolt the oil pan and lift the engine for clearance to get the oil pan past the frame. Look at this way, the oil pan gasket probably needs to be replaced any how. Have fun!