While adjusting the valve clearance on my 2009 Fit, I managed to drop a .006" feeler gauge into my engine. (Yikes!)
I was using it as a straight edge to help position the lines on the side of the top timing chain wheel that indicate when a particular valve is dead center and somehow managed to drop it down that portion of the engine closest to the passenger side. I have completely rotated the timing chain 3 or 4 times, but it has not caught against the gauge. I assume this means it has fallen all the way down into the oil pan? I've drained and filled the oil twice now, but nothing has come out (I think the gauge may be a bit too wide to come out the oil drain hole). Is it absolutely necessary to retrieve the gauge, or can it live in the nether regions of the oil pan? If it needs to come out, I guess drop the oil pan?

Any and all help appreciated!

 

 

Yea, it is just one gauge, .006". My hope is that it would just stay at the bottom of the oil pan, but I don't think it's worth the risk. After several hours attempting to locate and retrieve it, I'm ready to just drop the pan. Unfortunately, that process begins with having a shop decompress the A/C compressor, so I'm thinking I might as well have my mechanic do the whole thing. Tried to save $300+ doing the valve adjustment myself, only to be defeated by a $.05 piece of metal. *heavy sigh*

 

There is probably enough room to unbolt the compressor and strap it away from the pan area without having to mess with the freon or open the system.

 

On my GD I just unhooked the AC from the block and let it hang on a piece of nylon cord. Had the whole head/pan/timing cover off.

You will need to get the special wrench for the crank bolt..

 

My spark plug broke (the porcelain) and it screwed up my engine with an old car, through time. Slowly started burning more oil, fouling plugs, etc., etc. I don't know much about engines but I would not start the car until that is out of there.