S52 is hurting and need help. Please

[Nick Hayden]

Hello everyone. So I was in the process of rebuilding my vanos system and found an awesome present for my engine. I have no timing chain guides what so ever. I mean they are just gone. So I have to pull my timing cover to replace everything. I have heard that i have to pull my head. Is this really true? Or can I do everything with my head still on.
as you can tell in this picture they are gone and the bottom one is chipped.

This also happened.

[justin_l_]

How did this engine sound normal running?

I dont think you have to pull the head to pull the front cover but I did, there was other stuff I need to do at the same time.