Any suggestions?

[chrisc261]

Evening all, my name is Chris. I am new to the forum, but having owned by 3.8 fixed head for 12 years - I have a problem and wondered if anyone had any good ideas. Whilst undoing number 3 spark plug, the porcelain must have cracked inside the spark plug spanner and, guess what, a bit dropped into the cylinder bore. The shard in question is about 8 mm long by about 2 mm. I cannot see the debris, I have tried duck tape down there, 6 mm hose attached the to hoover - but not successful. Going to borrow an endoscope tomorrow to see what position on top of the piston it is. Grateful for any suggestions at all. All the best, Chris.

[mgcjag]

Hi Chris...welcom to the forum......you could try blowing compressed air in via a small tube the air will come out and possibly carry the shard......wear glasses....Steve
Edit.....possibly if a valve is open the air could blow it in the exhaust or into the carbs.....not so good unless both valves are closed

[288gto]

Steve,
I personally would be wary of that incase it sends it up an open valve or lodges somewhere you can't get to. At the moment in theory it is merely lying on top of the piston.
I also would avoid doing any more routing around in there incase it breaks into smaller pieces.

A boroscope is definitely the answer and are available quite cheaply. The one I have has been invaluable on my car.

All the best getting it out Chris, it should not be that difficult once you can actually see it.


Simon

[kingzetts]

Chris,
Bad luck!

What position is that piston at? If it's near TDC the shard has probably fallen to the side and the piston crown is preventing you getting close enough with Hoover or sticky tape. I'd be tempted to turn the engine over by hand and drop the piston down nearer BDC at which point you have more room to work with and maybe try the hoover again, although as Simon says it might be best to wait until you have the endoscope and can see what's what.

Another idea is to attach a piece of scotchbrite pad to a piece of stiff wire (making sure it is very secure) then soak the piece in some contact adhesive and let it go sticky, then use that as a probe.

Hope you recover the shard.

[PeterCrespin]

Grease on a long screwdriver or similar. At least that way if some of it drops inside you're no worse off, unlike sticky tape or whatever.

All together now: "There was an old wonan who swallowed a fly.."

[chrisc261]

Morning Chaps,
Success this morning - borrowed endoscope and found culprit. Pete, you got me thinking about grease on a stick so went down to the local electrical store and got an exterior connection block which is full of very, very sticky gel. I cut a small piece off and attached to a wire, and hey presto! A must for difficult retrievals. Once again, thanks, a great forum - I'll be back. May be some of you at Goodwood Revival on the Sunday.
Regards,
Chris.

[288gto]

Excellent Chris,

Glad you got it sorted and let us know.
Sometimes people post a problem, get advice and then we never know what happened!



Simon