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Old 20-04-2019, 20:13   #1
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Washer in oil pan

I am in Phuket Thailand yesterday I had a mechanic on my boat taking the injector pump off as it stopped working. He dropped a washer down into the oil sump. I tried all day with a magnetic snake with no luck. Does anyone have any ideas. Can I safely let it just lie in the bottom of the sump? Thanks
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Old 20-04-2019, 20:27   #2
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Re: Washer in oil pan

Do you know if the washer was magnetic (steel)?
If it was copper, or most SS, the magnetic snake wouldn't do anything.
Can you get a borescope camera down into the sump? There are pretty cheap, small diameter (3/8") USB cameras readily available. Of course, then you might have a washer and a camera stuck in the sump.
Sounds like dropping the pan and getting the washer out might be in order. Many oil pumps are gear pumps, and sucking that washer into the oil pump is going to be expensive.
In a fixed, land installation, maybe you could get away with leaving it, but in a rolling, rocking boat, that washer is going to be pretty mobile.
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Old 20-04-2019, 23:04   #3
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Re: Washer in oil pan

Shouldn't its removal be the mechanic's problem?
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Old 20-04-2019, 23:22   #4
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Re: Washer in oil pan

YoHi, Nero,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but I do think you need to rescue that washer, not just ignore the situation...and it's not going to be fun.

What material were the other washers made of? If s/s, probably not magnetic (though some 400 series is). Agree it should come out, and I wouldn't want to pay mechanics hours for the the job. First, remove all the oil you can. Then, I would seriously consider making an "inspection hole" (that you'll have to have a cover fabricated for), so you can get in there and clean the heck out of the sump, finding the washer (that you're going to need) in the process. You'll have to have it grease and oil free for sealant for the installation of the inspection hold cover plate.The inspection cover should have a good gasket, and will need to be screwed in, tight, probably needs lock washers, 'cause of the vibration.

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Old 20-04-2019, 23:34   #5
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Re: Washer in oil pan

Possible that the sump-lid plug has a built-in magnet....!
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Old 21-04-2019, 00:04   #6
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Re: Washer in oil pan

Since the beginnings of mechanical engines, mechanics have dropped nuts, washers, bolts into the pan and couldn't retrieve them. The strainer will keep them out of the oil pump. Resting in oil, it's not a corrosion problem.
The washer is probably steel and the magnet can't separate it from the pan. By now, it may even be magnetized and stuck to the pan. If it really worries you, remove the pan. I wouldn't.
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Old 21-04-2019, 00:08   #7
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Re: Washer in oil pan

Was afraid to say the same, but @lepke is right. Don't wasn't your time on this one, next overhaul it will come out.
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Old 21-04-2019, 01:51   #8
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Re: Washer in oil pan

That's why there are strainers on oil pump inlets... to keep such rubbish out of the gears.

I too agree with Lepke that it isn't a problem for the engine... just your imagination!

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Old 21-04-2019, 03:11   #9
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Re: Washer in oil pan

Thanks really appreciate the input. And your right my imagination has got the better of me. After reading about the strainer that won't allow the steel washer to be sucked up and the fact the washer will remain happily in the pan is a load off my mind.
We were crossing the Malacca Straits and our engine stopped after elimation of process it was my injector pump one thing I don't know how to fix or the extra part. So it was 60 miles in light wind check to Phuket. So was already stressed about the injector pump when the mechanic dropped the washer. Not a good day but feel better now that I don't have to lift the engine to get to my oil strainer thanks everyone
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Old 21-04-2019, 03:42   #10
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Re: Washer in oil pan

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Nero.
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Old 21-04-2019, 05:01   #11
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Re: Washer in oil pan

I agree to leave it in the pan. Though I'd be sure it actually made it to the pan, and is not caught up in the gearing for the injection pump. Check the "fall path" to assure yourself it's made it to the bottom.

Cheers.
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Old 21-04-2019, 09:02   #12
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Re: Washer in oil pan

Quote:
Originally Posted by GRIT View Post
I Check the "fall path" to assure yourself it's made it to the bottom.
Totally agree with Paul. My concern would be having it hung up on the way down to the sump. Once there, no problem leaving it there. I dropped a small socket down the front of a D8 engine while adjusting pump timing during my apprenticeship days...it found a temporary home on the timing gears & would have been catastrophic if not found. This was a newly rebuilt engine. Took a while, lesson learned.
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Old 21-04-2019, 09:19   #13
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Re: Washer in oil pan

Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyEss View Post
Do you know if the washer was magnetic (steel)?
If it was copper, or most SS, the magnetic snake wouldn't do anything.
Can you get a borescope camera down into the sump? There are pretty cheap, small diameter (3/8") USB cameras readily available. Of course, then you might have a washer and a camera stuck in the sump.
Sounds like dropping the pan and getting the washer out might be in order. Many oil pumps are gear pumps, and sucking that washer into the oil pump is going to be expensive.
In a fixed, land installation, maybe you could get away with leaving it, but in a rolling, rocking boat, that washer is going to be pretty mobile.
You'll never suck a washer into a sump as they have screens on the pick up.
As long as the washer is in the pan, not in a timing cover or open gear area.
SV Cloud Duster
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Old 21-04-2019, 10:04   #14
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Re: Washer in oil pan

Just leave it there.
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Old 21-04-2019, 11:38   #15
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Re: Washer in oil pan

I seriously doubt that motor has a windage tray, but I’d be sure that it doesn’t, and if it doesn’t, washer stays
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