Bad mistake... help!

[yorkshire_spam]

So... I just dropped the nut that I was using to retain the cam sprocket down the timing case. (Yes, I know.... dumb mistake!)
I've tried fishing it out with magnet on a wire... no luck.

Do I (can I?) remove the timing cover or go at it via the sump?
Which is the least worst option?

Cheers, Sam

[80Sprint]

Depends where it stopped but you don't know that. I would start with the cover. You can still get some sump access with the cover off but it may not have dropped that far if you have not turned the engine.

[shaunroche]

I think the easiest thing to do, assuming the engine and rad is in the car is to remove the sump pan....I personally would drop the sump removing all the bolts and remove the strainer pipe, that way you can turn the sump through 90 degrees and wiggle it free....you may have to remove the filter too but you may be ok......re-fixing you will have to offer the pan up with the strainer loose inside it and then re fix the strainer as you won't get the pan on with the strainer in place....

[yorkshire_spam]

Thanks guys. I still can't believe I've done it.

[GTS290N]

I've done that but got lucky. It seems to be a common occurrence. Mabe in the future I'll stick a strongish magnet-on-a-stick on the nut as I'm taking it off/putting it on. Just a muse.

[Mad Mart]

I've done that but got lucky. It seems to be a common occurrence. Mabe in the future I'll stick a strongish magnet-on-a-stick on the nut as I'm taking it off/putting it on. Just a muse.

Stuff a rag around the gap so that nothing can fall in the sump.

[Toledo Man]

Sam, this reminds me of when I was doing the engine swap on a Corsa. I had to change the head gasket as well and as I was fitting the timing chain (the 1.2 engines have a timing chain) the tensioner which was under compression came off and ended up in the sump. Fortunately, I managed to fish it out with a telescopic magnet. The bottom of the timing chain cover mates up with the sump and the 1850 engine is similar. I've been looking in the parts catalogue and the shallow part of the sump is under the timing chain so the nut might be resting on there if you're lucky. Keep on trying with the magnets and if you still have no joy then it will be sump off to retrieve the nut.

[xvivalve]

I'd try the timing cover first as it may be lodged somewhere; that may give you access into the sump using a telescopic magnet on a stick as one on a string will just attach itself to everything else that is steel.

If it has reached the sump, it's going nowhere, so I'd perhaps just attach a strongish magnet to the outside of the sump; one out of a hard drive perhaps...

[dollyman]

I once did a similar thing and the nut ended up in sump I used a very strong magnet on the sump outside and it picked the nut up. I then moved the magnet around the sump till i could see it, and used a length a length of brazing rod and hooked it out It might work.... It was a fiddle, but i got the b*****d.

Tony.

[yorkshire_spam]

Thanks for the tips guys, I'll see how I get on.
I have a small stack of rare-earth high power magnets I can use... I failed with one of those on the end of an old coat hanger though.

[dollyman]

I used the brazing rod as being brass is not magnetic, so it picked the nut up without sticking to everything. Also if there is no oil in the engine? Take sump plug out and you will then hopefully find the nut and then move it along to a point that is accessible. Those rare earth magnets are brilliant

Tony.

[yorkshire_spam]

And the winner is....
.... anyone who said timing case!

[geeksteve]

I've dropped a bolt through the speedo drive hole on a Golf gearbox before.. At the road-side about 45 mins before he was due to sell the car. I know how daft you feel!