aggravation

OK, I really did it this time. In the process of replacing the cam chain tensioner pads I was removing the banjo fitting bolts and didn't protect the drain hole below so of course I lost two of the washers down the drain hole.

I had read Robs write up, I knew better, but in my excitement to get back to work on the car this morning I totally forgot to plug the hole! To add insult to injury I even was holding a magnet in place to catch one of them not realizing they are not steel.

So the big question is, will I find them when I pull the oil pan? Motor mounts and pan gasket were next on my list this weekend so maybe I'm not really as screwed as I think....

Mako 928

Since you are pulling the oil pan you should be able to locate them in the pan. If not they may still be in the oil drain and should be easy to find. I was always thinking about doing the same thing on my recent engine pull and know how easy it is to by pass pluging the drains. You are going about it the right way by doing the oil pan last for this very reason.

Garth S

I would try to fish them out with a hook shaped on a length of wire .... just to confirm that they do not lodge in place halfway down.
Yes, copper magnets are hard to find ...

aggravation

It's some mighty pretty white copper, I figured it was aluminum by the look of it when it didn't stop on the magnet. I used a rag on the driver side so of course none of them fell....

Mrmerlin

the washers are probably in the pan and they should stay there.
Once they land into the oil they will kinda stick, and since there is a screen on the oil pump pickup they wont get sucked into the oil pump.
Since your changing the oil pan gasket you should be able to find them I would chase the oil hole up top with a wire just in case they are somehow caught on/in the hole

Imo000

I pulled mine Thursday. You are right it's not copper but aluminium.

Bill Ball

Right, you need a aluminum magnet.

Imo000

Long stick with a big dab of grease will do it!