Nut dropped into timing chain chasm! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 11-01-2005, 01:06 PM

Well... here's how it happened.

I was replacing two stripped nuts on the valve cover of an '85 300D. I got the nuts off and removed the valve cover to replace the bolts. In the process of attempting to remove one of the bolts (using two nuts), one of the nuts I was using slipped from my hand and disappeared into the deep chasm at the timing chain.

I have tried using a scoping magnet, but it apparently it doesn't reach deep enough. I can't see into the area that I need to access, and due to the amount of metal in an engine (go figure!). whatever I use to fish the nut out needs to be rigid. I'm thinking a coathanger with a magnet on the end. ANy other ideas?

boneheaddoctor · #2 11-01-2005, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwoodruff

Well... here's how it happened.

I was replacing two stripped nuts on the valve cover of an '85 300D. I got the nuts off and removed the valve cover to replace the bolts. In the process of attempting to remove one of the bolts (using two nuts), one of the nuts I was using slipped from my hand and disappeared into the deep chasm at the timing chain.

I have tried using a scoping magnet, but it apparently it doesn't reach deep enough. I can't see into the area that I need to access, and due to the amount of metal in an engine (go figure!). whatever I use to fish the nut out needs to be rigid. I'm thinking a coathanger with a magnet on the end. ANy other ideas?

Damn..now you have to give it away......

coathanger isn't very rigid when you straighten it out....

t walgamuth · #3 11-01-2005, 01:13 PM

on one of my cars. i dropped the pan and found it laying on a ledge down there. do not try to run it til you find the nut!

tom w

dmorrison · #4 11-01-2005, 01:22 PM

Its going to add more work, but drop the oil pan. It could be that the nut fell into the oil pan and you will never "find it" since its in the oil. the timming chain is behind the oil pump chain on the crankshaft. So dropping the pan would allow you to see inthe timming chain area. Of course it could be sitting on the chain or in the chain gear crook etc. I would go with the coat hanger and magnet idea. A good flashlight may help also. Try those first and if you can find or see it then try dropping the oil pan.

Dave

Pete Burton · #5 11-01-2005, 01:59 PM

Go to your local jobber and buy a magnetic pickup tool. It has a small permanent magnet on the end and it's attached to a telescoping rod, very much like a auto antenna. They are cheap and the magnet is strong enough to lift the nut, even while bumping into things on the way up. The one I bought new must be 20 years old now.

F18 · #6 11-01-2005, 02:08 PM

VW,
Block that car up and also try to fish it out with the "magnet probe/ coat hanger" through the oil drain hole before you go through all the trouble of dropping the pan.....As mentioned, don't start it until you have the nut in your hand. Careful not to damage drain hole threads.

#7 11-01-2005, 02:52 PM

phew...

I had the telescoper first, but I couldn't get it deep enough (my Benz says every guy has this problem at least once, but I think she's trying to make me feel adequate

). I was thinking coat hanger, but went with the wooden dowel and, everyone's favorite, duct tape. Third try got it... that woulda been a *****...

Habanero · #8 11-01-2005, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwoodruff

phew...

I had the telescoper first, but I couldn't get it deep enough (my Benz says every guy has this problem at least once, but I think she's trying to make me feel adequate

)...

You just need a longer telescoper...

Seriously though, glad you got it out. Isn't it a great adrenaline rush when you think you have f'ed up something fierce then manage to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat?

RAYMOND485 · #9 11-01-2005, 03:49 PM

1984 300d Turbo 135k
Ny Timing Chain Was Replace By A Shop, When Changing The Oil To
Replace Pan Gasket And Turbo Oil Return Line Rubber Seal ,found Master Link In Oil Pan, Remove Oil Pan Use A 5mm Allen Socket And
Drill To Remove Pan Bolts

F18 · #10 11-01-2005, 03:57 PM

Glad to hear you got it.....duct tape is phenominal stuff....
This sounded like one of my 20 minute projects that ends up killing a whole day because of something unexpected...... the stress does teach you something about your character.
Cheers,

Brian Carlton · #11 11-01-2005, 04:15 PM

I did the same thing.

But, this was the camshaft thrust washer. As I was removing the retaining bolt for the cam sprocket and carefully attempting to remove the sprocket, with the chain attached, little did I know that there is this large washer lurking behind the cam sprocket just waiting for the cam to slide rearward.

Since nothing prevents the cam from sliding rearward, when you are trying to tap the sprocket off forward, that's exactly what happens...........and the thrust washer drops right down into the abyss............

Of course, at the time, I didn't even realize what happened and knew something dropped, but didn't know what it was. Visions of dropping the pan and searching for this item were dancing in my head.

But, using the telescoping tool with the claw at the end, the washer was sitting right on top of the chain. I had it back out in 10 minutes, taking extreme care to make sure that it did not drop further.

That telescoping tool was a godsend in the installation of the two socket head cap screws that are down inside the chain gallery and secure the head to the block. I'd never trust my big fingers to reach down there with a screw and start it in those holes. The telescoping tool held them firm and started them in the threads prior to its removal.

dieseldiehard · #12 11-01-2005, 04:28 PM

I keep a long flexible grabber device in my car to catch pens, coins, small pages off a notepad anything that can fall into the narrow space between the seats and the center console. I've never had to use it down the timing chain casm yet