I can see my chain, help!

[waynes4.0]

Hi guys, I have a 98 explorer xlt with the 4.0 sohc. I started it today, let it warm up and took it around the block. then I noticed a burning smell and smoke. there was oil on my firewall and hose to the heater core. I climbed up for a better look and could see a piece broke out about 3 inches long behind the passenger side head and I could see the chain. I got it back to my girls house but now its in the snowy driveway. is that a cover that broke or the actual bell housing? any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[waynes4.0]

After examining it again its the passenger side valve cover

 

[pcam13]

How.... Please show pics.

 

[2000StreetRod]

cam follower or timing chain

Sometimes the SOHC V6 will throw one of the camshaft followers and break the plastic valve cover. It is more common for the rear cassette to break and the loose chain rub a hole in the cover. The normal procedure for replacing the rear cassette is to pull the engine. Some just replace the engine instead of replacing the rear cassette since that requires less special tools and knowledge. Hopefully, your engine just threw a cam follower. You'll probably have to remove the valve cover to determine what actually happened.