76' 20r

Ok so I was replacing the head gasket, putting the valve springs back in and on the number 4 cylinder one of the keepers popped out and fell... I can't find it anywhere outside of the motor.

My guess is it may have gone down the oil return tube at the back of the motor.

So right now I'm at: do I take the oil pan off and try to get it from that end?
I've tried extended magnet down into the return tube, dragging a magnet across the oil pan to the drain, even used a snake camera to look for it... Nothing.

So basically I just can't find the piece, any suggestions? Also, if it makes it to the oil pan, will it get into moving parts? I'm thinking maybe I could flush it out.

 

Why are you removing valve springs with the head in place? Your lucky you didn't drop a whole valve into the block.
As far as the "keeper" goes, you've got to find it. Depending where it's located, it could jam your oil pump. Best case it will get trapped near the filter.
Check your water passages also.

 

First why did you pull the valve springs anywhere near the engine?

Second if the keeper went down the oil tube it won't do any damage since there is a screen on the pickup tube.

Third I'd check the coolant passages for the keeper too. Those little buggers can fit about anywhere.

Fourth why were you removing the valve springs near the open engine again?

 

My 1978 20R oil pan has a magnet attached to the bottom of the oil pan.
You may be able to get a finger up inside the oil drain hole and feel around. Hopefully you will find it stuck there.

 

Well I know now ha. Thanks for the help. Got the keeper out. And now I know. I'm new at this level of motor tear down, learn something new each time. Cheers

 

cool u found the keeper.
also, a little trick i learned...
if u get a strong magnet, place it along the pan to the place where u think the keeper fell, and drag it to the drain hole. u could drag the keeper and pick it out the drain hole.

 

Where did you find it?