Club 80-90 Forums

So - I thought my battles with Van Damne had nearly come to a close.

Camshaft oil seal done, put fuel pump back to the same linings I can see on the rusty plate, everything is rosy - can see myself mot'ing tomorrow I thought..

Van Damne thought otherwise.. As I removed the rocker cover bolts from the head where I had left them or safe keeping one flipped into the head. By Jove I said.. Looked inside and saw it - cool.. Went to grab it and.... It fell down under the middle bit where the valve gubbins sits. It didn't come out the other side so its either still in there or worse its down an oil hole..

Thoughts?

Do I:

a- pretend it never happened and leave it ready to explode the engine at the worse possible time?

B - pull the head (would be the third time) and shake it up and down till the bolt comes out?

C- anyone have ideas on a really small magnet??

D - accidentally leave the gas on with the lights on and let nature take its course?

Having recovered from the pain of yet another balls up - I'm figuring extending magnet tool and a mirror.

Zip tie on the magnet I broke off an old gearbox sump plug - went fishing, got it.. Phew..

Well done, I remember that sinking feeling very well, many years ago I carefully stripped and rebuilt the engine in my old Lancia, putting it back together I was thinking great I will be driving it tomorrow........when whilst tightening one of the head bolts I heard and felt a crack.....the bolt had sheared flush with the block....I had to remove the engine again to drill and tap the block.

I never count my chickens before the fat lady hatches any more!