The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Loose Washer in Oil Pan - Dangerous?

Stock 235 - 1954 - Just Rebuilt and in place

I accidently dropped a washer (the distributor mounting washer - about 3/4" in diameter) into the distributor hole. Of course it dropped thru ALL the way when I tried to fish it out.

I assume it's resting happily in my oil pan. I believe it's a little to large to pass thru the oil plug hole.

Is this dangerous to leave in the engine? Should I put a strong magnet on the bottom of the oil pan to hold the washer (and other bits of metal) in place.

Thanks in advance!

Gee, that is a tough one. I think it wouldn't do any damage. A magnetic drainplug is always a good idea.

Believe or not my friend did the same thing, and we got it out with a flexable wire magnet. the sell them at sears I think or a hardware store. There about 18" long. GOOD LUCK. :rolleyes:

Did he do this with a 235 engine? If so, where did he insert the magnet? I don't believe I could use the same hole it fell into.

For the cost of a new pan gasket, isn't it just a lot safer to drop the pan and fish out the washer?

tack weld a magnet to the pan on the outside

jgalt: I have to agree with OCK take the pan off fish it out and put the pan back with new gasket. Not that expensive will save a lot of worry and possibly heartbreak. popcorn The Truth is Out There (Put The Dist. mounting washer on before you put than pan back on)

I don't believe that I can drop the oil pan on the car (1954 BelAir 4-Door Car) without raising the engine quite a bit. There is a crossmember in the way.

I'm leaning toward a magnet on the oilpan as good insurance.

You need to get the washer out, one way or another.

When an engine is running, there is a hurricane of whirling oil and air in there, easily capable of spinning a washer around. The washer could nick flying rods, ping up cylider walls, get caught between a cam lobe and lifter, maybe even jam the disti drive gear.

And I'd bet it's a hardened washer. GET IT OUT! If the magnet works, great. If not, you will have to lift the motor and remove the pan. You might get away with just lifting it an inch or so and fishing in thru the gap.

Good luck!
George

Jgalt- Welcome Sedan-er. My stovebolt is the same as yours- '54 Bel-Air 4 door with 235 and three speed stick.

You can get the pan off without moving engine. However you have to unbolt the steering center link, and getting to the 3/4" bolt in the x member is somewhat difficult. Drop steering center link, unbolt pan and carefully finagle it out from around front x member and oil pump pickup.

But if the washer is laying flat on the pan floor, it shouldn't go anywhere. the trick is- are you sure its not in the way of anything?

If I may ask, where did the washer come from? I've never seen a washer as you describe on a 235. And believe me, I've looked. For about 6 months.

good luck

chip