dropped my 12mm tap in the bellhousing!

[chrisevans]

As it says whilst attempting to remove my starter bush from t25 dj manual the tap fell off the socket I was holding it in. I now can t find the tap. I suspect it has dropped into the bellhousing. As far as I can see my options are remove the gearbox and remove the tap (if its there) and do the clutch whilst I am there or get another tap and try again then start jt and wait for the horrible noises. I have tried a couple of grabbers and thought at one point I had got it but I cant be sure its the tap and wouldnhave to be really Lucky anyway. Can anyone help with suggestions outside of these. I have had a good look for the tap underneath and anyware close to the starter hole

[chrisevans]

Also looking at bentley can you unbolt the gearbox and shift it forward enough to free the tap without removing the drive shafts?

[sarran1955]

Hello,

Or unbolt the engine and move it forwards enough on the studs to get the tap

Support the engine on a trolley jack;

Good luck anyway

Cordialement,

[dbz864]

Turn the van upside down and see if it drops out sorry couldnt resist it

[Plasticman]

^^^^ or start it and rev the ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,taps.. off it
mm

[dbz864]

Have you tried a good magnet on a string/wire,it should pull it out,thats what we did,when i worked in a engine building env.Id try turn the engine by hand very slowly with the magnet in, on a wire (after trying the magnet first) so the flywheel turns towards the starter hole.Worth a try before pulling box out.

[chrisevans]

Thanks to Covkid for confirming that the box could be pulled forward . I used a trolley jack under the box, undid the forward mount and earth strap and the bolts holding the box to the engine, then pull if forward (quite a long way in the end) to retrieve the tap. About 3 hours effort to get back to square one! Now to get the bush out though the bearing on the starter motor and motor look a bit rubbish

[Oldiebut goodie]

I soon learnt when working on my boat engine to use a cord or strong magnet on a string on whatever tool I am using - fishing about in oily and stinking bilges for a spanner or nut is not to be recommended.

[CovKid]

No prob fella