Hello all, I was replacing my vct solenoid on the drivers side and the screwdriver I was using broke and I can see it sitting deep in behind the timing chain... How in the heck can I get it out. What's the easiest way? Thank you for all your help in advance

 

Have you tried a telescoping mechanic's magnet?

I've used mine a couple times in some very uneasy circumstances and it always pulled through for me.... no puns intended.

 

I did try one but mine was too fat on the end and I can't seem to fit it down the small space. I am afraid the magnet won't be strong enough to pull it out

 

Another option is using a shop vac with a home made slender hose adapter.

In your scenario, you might need to knock it loose then vac it up, or at least try.

Don't you just hate when this stuff happens? You're going good, then bang... you lose a tool inside the engine...

When I do valve adjustments on machinery, I tie sewing thread around my gauges so I can't lose them inside the engine.

 

Yeah, it's probably one of the sickest feelings. The problem I have is that it is long from where it snapped and is just sitting down there starring at me. I just wish there was a way to grab it without knowing it further down... Would one of those tool grabbers reach in holes like that? Or can I just take the timing cover loose enough to wiggle it out?

 

Get a smaller magnet. They sell several of them. I have a tool bit holder that has a small magnet that telescopes out..

 

Agreed X4 magnet find the right size Good Luck man

 

You can buy "super powered" magnets in various small sizes at Home Depot. They grab like gorillas. I imagine you could put one on the end of a steel rod and use it to pull the bit out. I think it would have more "pulling power" than the telescoping magnetic tools I've seen.

You could maybe even put one of those magnets on the end of the magnetic tool to increase its power.

- Jack

 

Or something like this...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/GrabEasy-...0401/202505170

 

attach a rare earth magnet to the end of a fishing pole, flexible and thin. These little magnets will pick up anything.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Super-Mag...63?N=5yc1vZ7aa

 

They make flexible shaft magnets that have narrow magnets on them. Should do the trick

 

These things really grab tight! I think this would be your best bet as the magnetic grabbers are on a sort of diminishing returns scale.

The stronger the magnet the more difficult it is to get it into deeper places as it sticks to everything like a **** on the way down!

 

monkey fingers. I have that tool to.

 

how big of a part are we talking.

any way of taking a picture?

 

I imagine its probably a standard 1/4" hex bit