Got a EF here.

Coming home and heard a snap and the car died. Tried starting it and it sounded like the cam wasnt moving or something.

So i got my mate with a tow truck to tow me home.

Got home and took the rocker cover off just to see that there is ALOT of clearence between the HLA's and the valve's.... It is only in a couple of them and when the motor is turned over is different ones, so my guess is they need pumping up to fix that gap?

I then had another look around to see what is going on and why it sounded weird. I noticed that the timing chain guide is broken at the top where the bolt goes through it.

I have a feeling that i may have to replace the tensioner guide and see if the timing marks still align (have a feeling its jumped a tooth).

Does anyone know what is going on here and what i could do to fix it?

I also noticed oil leaking out the timing cover :S.

My plans are to pull the thermo's out as well as radiator and then start taking the timing cover off to see whats going on down there. Any hints or tips for this?

Thankyou to anyone in advance for helping me.

if its jumped a tooth it's most likely u've bent some valves...

remove head replace bent valves and fitt new timing chain kit...

Timing cover removal requires the head or sump to come off. The gap between the valve and the HLA is a concern, when you turn the motor by hand does the cam turn?

sounds harsh the snap could be guide or valves both of which sux i would be lookin at a replacement motor

cam turns. Might just get a new motor.