If my gapping shim for the timing sensor fell in does the engine now come out?

[rojeho]

This has turned into about the most frustrating repair endeavor I've ever done. I put the new timing/ref sensor bracket on, and glued a washer to the bottom of the old timing sensor. Set the gap, tightened the screws on the bracket, pulled the sensor out and the washer is gone. Now I don't know if the bracket is set to a 0.8mm gap or a 0.0mm gap, and the washer is gone. I'm so frustrated I seriously think I am going to just pull the engine to do the bracket, but is it even a choice now?

[John_AZ]

Pull the starter and beg that the washer has fallen down to the bottom.

or..

Get out your micro computer camera and begin to inspect all openings.

or gently turn the flywheel and hope it drops into the starter hole.

or it may be sitting on top of the clutch housing or top of the engine behind the hoses and wires

or it fell to the floor?

GL
J_AZ

[944 Ecology]

Yep, that's why I recommend using a 0.8 mm washer made out of CARDBOARD, so the result of a dropped washer do not require anything.

Good luck!

[dgcantrell]

Even still, a small washer in the bell housing is not going to cause a problem. As mentioned above, pull the starter and see if it's laying down there. I really don't think a small washer in the bell housing is going to cause any issues.

[Grandad#3]

I know this does not help with a dropped metal washer off the reference sensor. We all have to remember to tape over the inspection hole on the bell housing to prevent anything from falling into the clutch insp. hole. I use a folded cardboard match book cover glued to the bottom of the reference sensor. That way the gap is set and I don't have to worry about removing the new sensor as the card board is just worn off.

Cheers,
Larry

[rojeho]

I've learned my lesson, next time I will use cardboard. Feel free to use me as the poster child as to why to use cardboard for the shim.