As Murphy's Law would have it, just as I was removing the last head bolt from the head (late and tired), the washer separates and falls down right behind the camshaft and down between the two rails. (M103 -- '91 300E)

I try to fish it out with a cherry picker but no luck and hear it fall down further in the process.

How far down will this washer make it (it is pretty heavy)? All the way down to the sump, do you think, where I don't have to take timing chain cover off to get it out?

PLEASE give me some advice here!#$ Removing timing cover involves alot, that I'm not sure I have the time for right now.

TIA!

JohnB

Go to your auto supply store and get yourself a long flex magnet. The magnetic tip should be no bigger than 1/4" in diameter and have a real powerful magnet in it. The flex shaft will allow you to wiggle it down deep and gently pull it up with the washer. It has saved me many times. They are about $10 or cheaper - just don't get the telescoping kind as they cannot flex around things to go deep. Once you've used one you will never part with it.

Thanks Moedip --

The one you speak of, is it the mini-slinky type that has a magnetic picker at the tip? That would seem the perfect type to reach down to the bottom and snag it.

Happen to remember which auto parts store you bought yours at?
I really don't want to remove the cover.... especially since it is still sealed.

Thanks again

JohnB

That's the one. I'm in Canada so it won't help you where I got mine - give Pep Boys a call. If you want a real good one - call Snap-on. Good Luck