HELP, SOS, 911, A TAPPET HOLD DOWN TOOL FELL INTO THE OIL PAN!!

[Bob L.]

I'm doing the 120k svs a bit early. I'm setting up the exhaust valves on the rear head, I compressed the exh valve on # 4 and slid in the hold down tool and as I was pulling the hockey puck out......BANG! The tool popped out and before I could do anything, it slid down the oil galley return to the pan. My questions are this: Does that oil passage go directly to the pan? Also, would it matter if I left that tool lying on the bottom of the pan and just purchase another one? The tool was $20 and that seems a lot easier than pulling the pan off. I have a 1990 SHO, basicly stock. I cannot believe this happened! I'm really starting to dislike this car! doh HELP!!!!!!

 

[jelloslug]

It goes right to the pan. I think it might be OK to leave it but I'll let others give there view on that also. I know at least one person here has found a tappet holder in there oil pan that they did not lose. It is posssble to get it back out with a magnet, it just takes some luck. if you get it back drill a hole in the end and put a string with a washer bigger than the return hole on it.

 

[AutoSHO]

Do you like the idea of something foreign contacting your crankshaft at 7000 rpms?

I certainly dont.

I would drop the pan, and change the rod bearings while you're there. Your motor will be like brand new.

 

[SLOSHO89]

AutoSHO:
I would drop the pan, and change the rod bearings while you're there. Your motor will be like brand new.

If you put new rod bearings on your motor. That WILL NOT make you motor "like brand new". There are lots of other things that that wear out on a motor!!!!!!


The oil pump pick up tube has a screen on it so it is next to imposible for the tool to get sucked up at all (even if it did, the tool is bigger than the tube any way).

I guess it could hit the crank shaft if it is still sitting on the oil pan baffles.

 

[Yamaha V6]

There have been others who have lost theirs down the oil return holes, and run their cars. I have not yet heard of anyone who's grenaded their engine from a tappet holder.

However, I would recommend pulling the pan & doing the bearings while in there, especially where you're in the 100-120k range (from the sound of it).

The parts are going to cost you about $100 for the gaskets & bearings. While you're under the car, you can choose whether or not to replace the O2 sensors (add'l $100), and misc. items like the oil pressure sender, oil level sender & gasket, all of which are relatively low-cost. And, you get an oil change at the same time!

Best of luck.

 

[BeatDaSHO]

Do it right man. Drop the pan and take it out. You'll feel better.

Greg

 

[AutoSHO]

SLOSHO89:

AutoSHO:
I would drop the pan, and change the rod bearings while you're there. Your motor will be like brand new.

If you put new rod bearings on your motor. That WILL NOT make you motor "like brand new". There are lots of other things that that wear out on a motor!!!!!!

I'm well aware of that. BUT, in this case, with fresh bearings and fresh 60k done, the motor is going to be good to go for a long time.

 

[pjtoledo]

Corey, I hope you are reading this post!!!!


Perry

 

[pjtoledo]

The heads and the block have a tube that goes to the pan. The oil pan has tubes connecting to those, with slits on their sides. Chances are the tool is in the oil pan tube. Secure a magnet to one of those grabber tools, should be easy to get it out. Since steel doesn't float in oil, and there is a windage tray between the oil and the crank, chances are not much will happen if left in there.

Perry

 

[SHO SPD]

Cant you just use one of those pen magnets that extend like 3 feet, and stick that down in there?

 

[projectSHO89]

I know it won't help at the moment, but don't forget to attach either a long string or a piece of duct tape (make a flag) to the handle of this little tool. It makes it easier to find and will prevent the situation you now have.

Secondly, as soon as the valve cover comes off, those holes should be plugged with shop towels to keep everything and anything from falling into the pan.

Steve

 

[Bizzy]

I did the shop towels when I did my 60k, and it saved me about 3 times when the holder would pop or slip outta my oily fingers.

I doubt that it will hurt anything if you leave it down there. Just so long as it made it all the way down to the bottom of the pan. Could be sitting on one of the baffles and that might allow it to flop up into the crank. But I doubt it.

 

[Off Road SHO]

Which hole did it go down? Tranny side or waterpump side? Front or back?

Tom

 

[Bob L.]

it fell down the the rear head on the waterpump side. Will it miss the baffle and go straight into the pan? my fingers are crossed!