Just picked up a 2011 base from auction, 78,000 miles. Turns over, but intake cam suffered some damage and I'm guessing at least the head has to come off. Timing chain did not break and I'm hoping bottom end is still good. Metal flakes on valve cover. How bad is it? What should I do first/ what needs to be checked?

Groove on camshaft from spring

Metal flakes

Retainer cracked

Retainer cracked

Retainer cracked

 

personally, there are two ways to approach it. 1. replace the broken parts, confirm timing, then do compression. or 2. remove the intake cam assembly, set the cylinder in compression stroke, inject air, and check for leaks. Worst case scenario, you'd replace the head.

 

Agreed, it all depend how much money he wants to throw at it.

 

One of the rollers, lifters, or followers (not sure what it is called) is missing. Looks lik it got spit out. The cam also is scratched up where one of the caps broke. I have ordered the timing locking tool so that I can remove the cam and inspect the seat. I will start as you said with replacing the parts and doing a compression test.

 

As little as possible. Doing most of the work myself. Worst case would be to put in a used motor.

 

Hardly any oil in the engine, probably gonna have to pull the oil pan and check some bearings.

 

The cam caps on my '07 MCS are part of the head and not replaceable --- cam journals are line-bored, no bearings. Check RealOEM for cam cap part numbers --- if none, they shouldn't be replaced.

With metal shavings, any rebuild should include a good hot-tank flush of the bare block and head (if re-used) to get rid of shavings in the oil passages.

Best of luck ---