OMG....What did I Do?????? Help!!
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5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
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OMG....What did I Do?????? Help!!
I read a post earlier on here titled, "What was the dumbest thing you have ever done to a Harley?" How ironic.....I found this by searching for an answer to what I have done. I am in the middle of a top end rebuild on a 1980 Sportster XLH. She is my baby. This will be the second time rebuilding the top end. Anyways, as I was putting the front cylinder back down over the new piston and rings, my elbow pushed a quarter sized washer down the rear cylinder opening falling down into the crankcase. My stomach instantly went sour. I immediately went to get the flashlight and telescoping magnet. I searched and searched and searched, not having any luck retrieving the washer. I cant see it anywhere or feel it anywhere. HELP!!! Please. I dont know whatelse to do. I dont have the means or the knowledge to pull that engine out and split those cases apart all for a washer. I am open to any and all suggestions.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Union,Ms
I read a post earlier on here titled, "What was the dumbest thing you have ever done to a Harley?" How ironic.....I found this by searching for an answer to what I have done. I am in the middle of a top end rebuild on a 1980 Sportster XLH. She is my baby. This will be the second time rebuilding the top end. Anyways, as I was putting the front cylinder back down over the new piston and rings, my elbow pushed a quarter sized washer down the rear cylinder opening falling down into the crankcase. My stomach instantly went sour. I immediately went to get the flashlight and telescoping magnet. I searched and searched and searched, not having any luck retrieving the washer. I cant see it anywhere or feel it anywhere. HELP!!! Please. I dont know whatelse to do. I dont have the means or the knowledge to pull that engine out and split those cases apart all for a washer. I am open to any and all suggestions.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: USA
I dropped a nut down a carb on a car once and was so rattled by it I couldn't work on it. Finally I paid a 14 year old kid $20 ( 40 years ago $20 was a lot for a kid) to sit on top of that engine and fish out the nut (carb removed) with a magnet and some fishing line. It took him about 4 hours to do it.
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5th Gear
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I just wanted to get back on here to say...after alot of patience and ingenuity, I was able to get that "stanky" washer out of my crankcase. I was at my wits last end when my nephew, that I offered $30 to fish it out, suggested, let's roll it down the front porch!! There was enough decline to roll the washer forward that I was able to ****** it up with a very long pair of hemostats. Good Lord!!! A 30 cent washer could have cost me thousands in damages if I hadn't gotten it out,...and $30 for the suggestion box. Well spent. Thanks for all of the suggestions.
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5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
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Oh, and by the way........the 3# telescoping magnet wouldn't pick it up.......Washer must have some plastic....Made in China, I'm sure.
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From: Altoona, Pa.
Live and learn....stuff that baby full of rags next time.
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Ok now I gotta ask why were you doing any work with an open spigot like that ? You all way stuff clean non lent rags into the open hole to keep crap out and the rods from banging around in there . Learn anything here ?
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