I'm in the process of a cam install and stuck a pen magnet down the pushrod hole to c if it would fit. I bought what i thought were quality, but the head of the magnet popped off and is probably still stuck on top of the lifter. Has anyone experienced this b4 and if so any easy ways to get the head of the magnet back??? Or is the head coming off??

TIA
WICKED

 

Does the magnet have screw on ends? If so see if you can shine a pen light down the hole and screw the shaft back onto the magnet end.

 

I am sure you already tried to get it with one of the other magnets. Right?

Maybe stick some clay into a big McDonalds straw and see if you can get the magnet head to stick in the straw?

 

Yikes, that sucks. I've only heard of that happening 1-2 times before (out of hundreds)..quality control on the magnets sucks.

If that happened to me, I probably wouldnt waste my time trying to get it out with the head on, and i'd just pull the head. Its really easy, and a head gasket and bolt can probably be had for $50-$60. The best part is you can pull half the lifters out so thats 8 less lifters to fall if you havent done the cam swap yet.

Sorry for your misfortune...sometimes "**** happens".

 

Don't give up yet... How many of you old-school wrenchers remember those little spring-loaded parts retrievers? ****, how do you describe 'em -- the lawnmower throttle cable-looking thing with the button you press down with your thumb, and little wire fingers stick out of the end. Lift off with your thumb, and the fingers retract and pick up whatever you stick it on.. Anyone have a clue what I'm talking about ?

 

I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. I was thinking the same thing and that would work perfectly! The little claw on the end will grab that thing really easily. Or, you could mix up some epoxy, put it in the end of a straw, then put the end on the magnet, then blow in the straw to get the epoxy to stick to the magnet, assuming the magnet is oil free on the top which I'm assuming it is unless you got your dirty fingers on it...

 

That part is like $5-8 at sears or local ace hardware stores. Works great to about 4-5lbs.

 

You should be able to get to the lifters by just pulling the lifter vally cover.

 

YOu sure about that? Im gonna guess you didnt install your h/c combo

 

Now it's getting funny.

Hey wicked, ever get the thing out, or did the head have to come off?? I think I would have tried everything before removing the head.

 

The claw might work, but I'm doubting you'll ever get a claw finger under the edge of the magnet. It kinda sits recessed on the lifter. Either way, I always keep a spare set of head gaskets around for stuff like this, since pulling a head off is so easy.

 

You have to pull the heads to get to them.

 

wow didnt know the topic would get this crazy. No luck yet but im savin the pain till the end. Thanks for all the ideas guys. If i dont have a clear shot at it, the heads comin off

 

Bah..... save the pain and torch your car....

J/K, just pull the head, it isnt bad at all and kind of fun