just did the timeing cover gasket,couldn't get the bottom chain guide back in,will leaving it out do any harm?

bit late now eh?

I'd of made sure it went back.

however... the 2 cars I removed the covers from in the last 2 weeks had barely any marks on the guide.... thus... prolly won't hurt, but i wouldn't chance it if you were to have this car as a performance rev'r!

nope just a daily driver.

yes it can do harm without the bottom guide, the timing chain will have too much slack on it, its not too hard to put back in, just drop the sump, undo all the bolts around the sump but leave the two back ones in and only loosen them a little bit, which should allow the sump to drop enough on the front and you should be able to slide the guide onto the cover (may have to release timing chain tensioner first) also as long as your car isnt an EA/early EB it should have the later model sump fitted and you can just then bolt the sump back up with the same gasket as it is rubber, also if you attempt this drain the oil in the sump first

only can say one thing'' PUT it back in before it stuffs up the whole motor and cost you big $$$$

well the old 3.9 ran with out it,so well see how it goes when i put it all back together,,doing the head gasket as well.