Thanks for the advice. I am not a novice, I have pulled engines, trans and changed rings and cranks. More time on destroyer pumps, steering gear hydraulics and steam turbines than gas engines. No auto pro either, there is a lot of value in someone doing the same job before being willing to share. It is economic death rather than mechanical death that I am worried about.
Did not do right side because ERG tube is stuck and rear lower cover bolt is rusted round, can't drive on 7 mm socket or start with chisel. Drilling in the vehicle is not going to work.
I could break off corner and replace the cover. Or just ignore right bank and hope for the best?
The left top guide is in pieces, depending upon where chunk was laying I could pick the chain up off the cam gear. Little chips in there too. No longer any question of re-timing or not to me, much more likely than not to have already jumped the chain.
If the engine is apart enough to work the timing it is not much farther to make sure the head does not swallow or burn a damaged valve in a hundred miles even if it passed today? Worry too much or real risk?
How does doing timing chains installed compare to just pulling engine?