R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Dropped bolt down timing cover

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Old 09-15-2018, 04:47 PM
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Dropped bolt down timing cover

Well, i made a booboo.

Was putting a new head on my car and everything was goin great until i fumbled one of the headolts and it fell straight down the timing cover where the chain runs to the crank pulley. The heads off and I’ve been trying to fish it out with a magnet for an hour but i can’t see or feel it, am i gonna have to pull my oil pan to find it or Is there someone who has made an equally dumb mistake and knows an easy way out?

Any help would be super appreciated thanks y’all

-Stoney
 
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Old 09-15-2018, 09:08 PM
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Hi Stoney Lowe
Unfortunately I have done something the very same thing however; it was on a Fairlady 240Z. I would recommend a 'Long Wand (Flexible) Magnet'. You might get lucky and find the bolt. If you happen to have a "Bore-scope", I would use that first and see if you can spot the bolt. If you can spot the bolt using the Bore-scope, then you can hopefully fish the bolt out using the Wand-magnet.

Good Luck!
Grandpa
 
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Old 09-17-2018, 06:03 AM
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Isnt there an access panel on the side you use when replacing the timing chain? You take the inner fender liner to get to it.

I think harbor freight sells a cheap bore scope.
 
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Old 09-17-2018, 10:29 AM
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I don’t think there’s an access panel afaik you have to take the pulleys and cover off, however i did get a cheap scope that I’m going in with today before i begin surgery. Will report back!
 
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Old 09-17-2018, 02:16 PM
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scope is the best way. There is the timing cover but you have to get the crank damper and tensioner assembly off, and you still have space below, so either a scope or the sump off. Not a bad idea anyway tbh if the head is off on these. Best time to check for debris from chain guides, piston skirts, or bolts someone may have dropped. It's also the best time to invest in fresh standard size end shells and ARP rod bolts, clean the oil pick up, or better still, pull the pistons and clean them up in an effort to make sure rings are properly free.

Only my2p
 
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Old 09-17-2018, 11:51 PM
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Ended up using a scope and found the bolt chillin in my oil pan. Halfway surprised it made the full trip down there. Anyways, Pan off, bolt out and I’m back on my way. Glad i did it too cuz i found what looked to be the debris from my toasted valve while cleaning the pan out! Thank you guys for your input
 
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