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You blew out the "cam plug" on the back end of the cylinder head. This is a big 2-inch plug that faces backwards, i.e. toward the firewall.
When it blew out, it hit the firewall, then fell out- that's what you heard. Don't ask why I know what sound that makes.
Don't drive it very far- it's losing LOTS of oil through the hole. You can drive it for a minute or so- you don't want an engine fire, and you may smell some oil burning off the exhaust. You can move it jsut to get it to the tow truck or over to where you can work on it.
The good news is it 's going to be cheap to fix. The cam plug itself is just a few bucks, and a new valve cover gasket (also needed) is about $10. In fact, FCP Groton lists parts really cheap: (www.fcpgroton.com)
1378870 Valve Cover Gasket (B230)$3.50 Elring
1336763 Rubber Cam Plug (B230)$2.50 OEM
You simply pull the valve cover off, and look through it while installing the cam plug to make sure it goes in straight. I won't tell you what to use to press it into place- access is tight and I don't have a good answer. A small pry bar is about the best thing- something thin with an angled tip.
CLean all the gasket surfaces and reinstall the valve cover gasket. It's just a few 10mm nuts to remove this, you really don't need to pay someone to fix it. You can do it in the driveway or parking lot easily.
I use a little blue Silicone RTV sealant on the valve cover but some say that's not necessary. Also, it would be a good idea to replace the flame trap and holder when this is done- if it's plugged up, it might have caused excess pressure, and made that plug blow out. It's only $2.50 for a kit from FCP.... just a few minutes to change it.
Good luck!
By the way, IPD (www.ipdusa.com) sells a kit to prevent that thing from blowing out again.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 220K, 87 244DL- 230K, 88 744GLE- 198K, 91 244 180K, 88 244GL 145K
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