carrera964

Good News! I found the retainer and removed it. We ended up removing all 4 drain tubes and the exhaust system so we could see. It was sitting on top of some "webbing" in the case in the last hole we looked in on the drivers side. A magnet on a bendable handle did the trick to pull it out. I'll take some pics tonight while I'm cleaning up the engine compartment. I think while I have it down this far, I am going to replace the timing chain gaskets and anything else that appears to be leaking. I'll do some searching around the forum advice on replacing gaskets. I'm not sure if I can re-use the exhaust gasket rings or not. I'll see if I can get this stuff ordered today. The weather sure is nice right now. I'm so ready to go for a long ride out in the country. Thanks to everyone for their advice, pics, links and comments.

matt

CB Red 964

Congratulations! Glad the drain tube trick worked. I think the webbing that you see is the screen on the bottom half of the oil pump pick-up. Did you figure out what the mystery part was?

The timing chain gasket replacement is a bit of a chore but doable with the engine in place. There is a good explanation of the procedure in the 964 DIY section.

MisterRisky

Congratulations! Good job and I know you must feel better having it out.

dfinnegan

That's great news! Congrats.

velocitylover

Kept my fingers crossed !!Glad its been found!!

J richard

glad you didn't have to put the car on a spit and shake it upside down...

Colin 90 C2

glad you found it.

Ritter v4.0

I'm sure I speak for others when I say this could have easily happened to any of us (in fact I'm surprised you beat me to it) and we were all rooting for you to find it in a non overly invasive way. Congrats.

madmoog

Did a similar thing about 25 years ago while helping a friend, (small metalic item and open plug hole - oops) I have vivid memories if this engine dangeling from the rafters being tilted in all directions fortunatly we got/shook it out in the end

carrera964

Thanks for the support, I really appreciate the suggestions and comments. I spent about 5 hours last night spraying and scrubbing the engine and surrounding areas. I don't think it had ever been done. I think the car is at least 20 lbs lighter now. All I can say is what a PITA that was. I could spend another week cleaning, but I'll save some of that fun for another time. We have the exhaust system off and all of the engine tin from around the sides and back. I am going to replace the chain cover gaskets and any others that look to be leaking. The valve covers look pretty good, so I am going to leave them alone. I'm trying to determine whether I should just get the individual gaskets from a local shop or order a gasket kit from Pelican. I'll search for details on that,but if anyone has any advice, I'll gladly accept it.

mk

DAVISRILEY

carrera964, pm sent.

springer3

Moral of the story: immediately stuff large rags into any engine opening (don't risk losing small rags). We also should worry about insects or our tiny rodent friends trying to set up housekeeping in the new home we provide for them when we leave an opening. They are on patrol when we are asleep, and have made a mess of many cars.

I am glad you escaped major harm, and thank you for bringing the "lesson learned" to the group. Many of us have saved time, money, and pain because of the information exchanged here. Well done!