MEM0317
01-21-2008, 12:11 PM
Well, for those that followed my little problem last week with the phantom debris in the sump...here is the conclusion. My ears and guts served me well, along with replacing left head gasket. Originally, with the right gasket change, the m10 bolt washer did not release from the head and I did not check for it. Whoops. When it came time to remount the head, that washer unseated, fell and followed the chain guide into the sump. After replacing the left side, the same thing almost happened. Fortunately I was a little more careful with the bolt removal. After taking the right side apart again and confirmed that the m10 was missing its washer, I did some fishing with one of those telescoping magnets. Under the right side lower chain guide seems to be the only way to fit a retrieval device into the sump without removing the cylinder itself. Having already drained the oil, I got it out after a few minutes of jostling the wand around. So....after all this nonsense, it's all back together, 2 cleaned pistons, 2 new head gaskets, and the final word of warning to those attempting head gasket replacements...be sure the washer for the m10 comes off with the bolt. Also, breaking the cam bolts free is not as scary as I have heard, even from techs...just make sure the flywheel is secure, use a 1/2" drive and be steady. A little heat from the torch may have helped me a bit, as it was about 25 degrees in the garage. And trust your gut. Thanks for everyone's input..you to Anton. I'll let everyone know soon how the fire-up goes. Matthew