Valve Shim Dropped into Crankcase

[eddohawk]

hi there

Would appreciate some suggestions advice here. My grandson...(who I still love to bits despite this) decided to have a play. Result....one of the number 3 exhaust shims is now some where in the crankcase. Dropped down behind the camshaft chain rear guide. Engine wont turnover by hand counter clock wise and I'm thinking the shim is probably wedged between the lower camshaft chain gear and the crankcase. Up all its not a good situation at all.

My thinking in terms of options here:

1. Drain the oil
3. Remove the head and probably the block....however looking at pics in my clymers manual I'm unsure whether this will provide enough visual or access to retrieve the shim (assuming I can see it)
3. Another option is to remove the sump oil pan and hope like hell I can see the shim...

Worst case here is a full engine removal and split the crankcase.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Eddohawk

[craigo]

I think the shims are made of steel.  Try using a magnate to pull it out.

Good Luck with that,

CraigO
90FJ1200

[weymouth399]

These things happen

old eyes, old hands, not paying attention, drinking while working, never heard the grandson one before.

you can use a magnet, but the time it happened to me it dropped all the way to the oil pan. (luckly)

Try to turn the engine easily both ways. Also check the bottom of the cam chain where it goes on the crank
it will drop in there too.

Or if you know a bunch of big guys you could always flip it over

Bob W

[rktmanfj]

I think the shims are made of steel.  Try using a magnate to pull it out.

Good Luck with that,

CraigO
90FJ1200

It takes a man of high social position to get it out?      

Randy T
Indy

[racerrad8]

My thinking in terms of options here:

1. Drain the oil
3. Remove the head and probably the block....however looking at pics in my clymers manual I'm unsure whether this will provide enough visual or access to retrieve the shim (assuming I can see it)
3. Another option is to remove the sump oil pan and hope like hell I can see the shim...

Worst case here is a full engine removal and split the crankcase.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Eddohawk

As others have already stated, use a magnet. If that doesn't work, here is the sequence I would use.

1) Drain the oil
2) Remove header
3) Remove oil pan and take it out either from the pan or using the magnet to retrieve from above.
4) Reassemble in reverse order.

No need to split the case or take off the head. Just DO NOT crank the engine over until you find it.

Randy - RPM

[junkyardroad]

Magnet on a flexible stick, get em a the auto parts store. I have made many amazing recoveries with it. You can also get one that has little 'fingers' on it. Push the button on top, they come out the other end.  Very handy when doing transmission work too.

drinking while working

wha?

[eddohawk]

Gidday gents

Thanks so very much for your very helpful suggestions. I'm pleased and very relieved to report ......mission accomplished! Removed the sucker with a telescopic magnet tool which took all of 5 minutes. This forum is so valuable.....methinks its time to show my appreciation and become a financial member.

Regards to all

Eddohawk