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Okay...possibly bad thing...

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by timotheos, Apr 20, 2013.

  1. timotheos

    timotheos Member

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    Let's say that this question is for a friend...
    So I--he--was using a tiny screwdriver to turn the notch on one of the valves, when the end of it broke off, a couple mm, and when he tried to grab it, it went down under the chain. If I--he--wanted to do something about that, what would he do? Stick a magnetic tool grabber down there? Where exactly is it now? :oops:
     
  2. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Tell your friend that is the exact reason why we always recommend to stuff a rag into the chain passage......

    BUT at this point, that's moot. So we go from there----

    Suggest to your friend that you go (I mean HE go) to Harbor Freight and buy the super-cheap magnetic pickup tool. They have a pretty small tip on them, about 1/4" diameter, and are extend-able......more than enough length to reach all the way down.

    Stick it down the opening, in every direction imaginable. Take your time, be methodical, and you MIGHT just get it. Don't rush, don't get upset. I may even take a few hours of careful zen-like fishing. If you get frustrated, you'll NEVER get it. If you stay calm, you MIGHT get it. It's very possible that it is just sitting straight down the hole. It's also possible that it went all the way down.

    If you're able to get it, that's awesome. If not, then the next thing to do would be to take drain the oil and pull the oil pan, hoping that it's laying down in there. You MAY also find that when you pull the oil plug out, the tip would be held by the magnet at the end of the plug!

    So recap......

    1. get a magnet and go for it

    if no success

    2. drain the oil and check the oil plug magnet

    3. pull the oil pan

    4.........now you start the bad words

    5. pull the clutch off....maybe you're lucky enough to see it behind the basket somewhere......

    6. pull the shifter cover....maybe you're lucky enough to see it through the access holes

    Kick the cement block in the driveway, swear at your sore foot, and start preparing to pull the engine unless someone else has a better idea.

    Keep us posted on how it goes for you..........I mean, for your friend.

    We're with you-----

    FWIW, I had a valve shim do that ONCE, and a piece of piston ring do that ONCE. Once..............so far---------

    In each instance was able to retrieve them with the extending magnet.

    Dave Fox

    Dave
     
  3. timotheos

    timotheos Member

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    Thanks... Btw, did you get my e-mail?
     
  4. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Yes, good luck with the magnet!

    Yes, got your email this morning. the box I had wasn't quite big enough so I'm getting a better box.

    Dave F
     
  5. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    Doesn't the 650 have a magnetic oil drain plug? If you can't fish it out you might find it stuck to the drain plug, check it BEFORE you pull the pan.
     
  6. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Yes, it does......that's why I suggested that as #2, then pulling the pan as #3. :)

    Dave F
     
  7. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    OOPS. Read too fast. :oops:
     
  8. timotheos

    timotheos Member

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    Yep, good stuff. I got the magnetic, flexible retriever, so I'll try that first tonight.
     
  9. timotheos

    timotheos Member

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    No problem. Have to get the shims back in and the cover back on before I ride it anyway! I'll let you know which ones I have and what numbers I need. Thanks again.
     

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