Timing Chain

Your Deauville probably has an Australian- sourced 351C engine and a real metal cam chain. 351Cs have gigantic valves which are very heavy, and a high rocker arm ratio (1.73:1). These two things combine to wear std timing chains rapidly. 30,000 miles is about all the life one can expect. A worn chain may skip a tooth on the sprocket, giving radically wrong cam timing (matter of fact, it might already have happened leading to the car being parked so long). I suggest you consider buying a replacement performance timing chain (double-row roller type) to replace the old (silent-link type). The new chain will come with 2 new sprockets, and the crank sprocket will have multiple keyways to allow custom cam timing. These are available via the internet from any speed shop. Cam chains can be accessed behind the waterpump & plate, and you will have to loosen the oil pan attach bolts to allow the front of the pan to sag down a little. The harmonic balencer will need to be pulled off with a puller that bolts to the hub. Do NOT try pulling it from the periphery or you will wreck the balencer! Trying to start the car will probably do no harm, but if it doesn't fire within a few minutes, consider a rebuild before you burn up the starter. If you are in France, there is a Pantera owner in Rouen that is familiar with these engines. Good luck!