Tappet came out removing rocker arm assembly to retorque head

[TEV]

Rebuilt head on my Lehman 4D61 and now was time to retorque per manual. Pulled rocker arm assembly and 2 forward pushrods were under compression due to position of crank. They were about 1” higher than remaining rods when rocker arm assembly came off. Lifted out the rods and retorqued the head. Put pushrods back in and the 2 forward rods would not go all the way in. Took look down holes and both tappets had lifted out of their holes and fell over at an angle, though base of each is in their respective holes. Really don’t want to remove head having to get parts from UK. Anyone deal with same issue? Suggestions?
Thanks

[jamhass]

I have had some luck using a mechanic's "magnet on a stick". Not always successful, but worth a try. A small borescope connected to your smart phone can help. Good luck

[TEV]

Thanks was thinking about what you mention, maybe a shielded magnet. My endoscope just fits, how i got the pics. Maybe use endoscope in hole next to each of the ones being worked on like you said.

[Lepke]

Sometimes you can use a bent wire/coat hanger, to gently catch the upper lip of the lifter and move it upright over the hole. Also there is a claw, less than $10.

A magnet can magnetize the lifter, afterwards it draws metal particles.

[TEV]

Thanks Lepke I was able to get one tappet vertical in the hole with coat hanger but it didn’t drop down. Back at it tomorrow 2nd tappet will be more of a challenge.

[Reefmagnet]

Maybe grab a set of these bad boys to help. Very useful tools. Called a "dental pick set".

[garyfdl]

If the hole isn't too deep or too small in diameter, you might be able to reach them with (don't laugh) chopsticks. I've retrieved/repositioned things in the past using them, and they are easily modified if the standard ones are too big.

[Scubaseas]

Magnet on stick, a long thin screw driver and a lot of patience. Pray to the God of your choice.

[Jesse]

A tube or hose of a workable diameter duct taped to a vacuum cleaner attachment might provide the lift to reposition or remove them

[BruceS]

You said they were higher than the others when you pulled it apart so if you haven't turned the crank it'll be the same.

I'm assuming it's the cam followers that came up with the pushrods?
I loved the old chevvy (Holden?) motors that had the side cover to check the followers!!

[TEV]

You are correct BruceS they are the cam followers and they should be higher than the others. Appreciate all the input. Didn’t get time today hopefully tomorrow will get back on this.

[TEV]

To put closure to this, thanks for all your input, got the tappets lined up and dropped into place, assembly done and clearances all in spec., back in operation.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by TEV

To put closure to this, thanks for all your input, got the tappets lined up and dropped into place, assembly done and clearances all in spec., back in operation.