[andreu12qw]

While I was replacing my valve cover I somehow bumped the timing chain rail guide and snapped off a little piece . I inspected the engine and could not find any other pieces.

What I am wondering is how serious is this? Do I need to have it towed to the shop or can I drive it there in the next few weeks?

Picture to illustrate:
(These are not my photos)

[weehe126]

So how much broke off? Mine was chipped off already when I took my VG off (Dealer probably broke it on VANOS recal). Post a pic of yours.

[andreu12qw]

Originally Posted by weehe126

So how much broke off? Mine was chipped off already when I took my VG off (Dealer probably broke it on VANOS recal). Post a pic of yours.

These were stills taken of a video clip as I only took a video to show someone. I can take more detailed photos later but this will give you a good idea. It's the whole top part.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Skip to around 10:08 on this video. Notice that the timing chain does not physically contact this piece.

[bbnks2]

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

Skip to around 10:08 on this video. Notice that the timing chain does not physically contact this piece.

shoddy mechanics lol. Those vanos bolts are 1 time use and they are stretch to yield after initial torque.

That is a sucky job to replace that guide. I'd turn the motor over by hand and check everything is good. I think that top piece of the guide is just a "guard" and shouldn't impact anything.

[andreu12qw]

Originally Posted by bbnks2

shoddy mechanics lol. Those vanos bolts are 1 time use and they are stretch to yield after initial torque.

That is a sucky job to replace that guide. I'd turn the motor over by hand and check everything is good. I think that top piece of the guide is just a "guard" and shouldn't impact anything.

Originally Posted by bbnks2

shoddy mechanics lol. Those vanos bolts are 1 time use and they are stretch to yield after initial torque.

That is a sucky job to replace that guide. I'd turn the motor over by hand and check everything is good. I think that top piece of the guide is just a "guard" and shouldn't impact anything.

I started the motor and let it run for a little. All normal sounds. I will change the oil and see if there is any debris. While I was inspecting it it seemed to be a clean break and did not see any chain marks on the part. I will send more photos this weekend.

[andreu12qw]

Attached are actual photos this time of the piece that came off.

[FailingToBeSmart]

Originally Posted by andreu12qw

Attached are actual photos this time of the piece that came off.

Any update on this? I checked mine today and it to has broken off. Havent found the piece yet though! haha Cracking open the oil pan today.

It looks like it would be fine without it?

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by FailingToBeSmart

Any update on this? I checked mine today and it to has broken off. Havent found the piece yet though! haha Cracking open the oil pan today.

It looks like it would be fine without it?

Someone else had concluded the most likely function of this piece is to prevent oil flinging onto the valve cover as it runs up the guide. It does not affect the chain's timing or tension. I have a feeling you can drive safely without it. The piece either was already broken or it's sitting at the bottom of your oil pan.

[DiFFv1]

I cringed over the vanos bolts. But as others have said i believe your good to go (after checking oil after re-fill)

[andreu12qw]

Originally Posted by FailingToBeSmart

Any update on this? I checked mine today and it to has broken off. Havent found the piece yet though! haha Cracking open the oil pan today.

It looks like it would be fine without it?

As of today, (08/07/2019) I have not seen, heard, dealt with anything major. ***knock on wood***

I too was thinking that it was probably to help oil flow down the chain and promote more efficient lubrication. I looked at the piece once I pulled it out and cleaned it to see if the chain made contact and there were no marks on it what so ever.