dropped a bolt

[Rasputin]

no need to remove the exhaust to remove the oil pan. It will come out on it's own with no real problems. Just a bit tight getting some of the bolts out.

[Jeffintampa]

would that be my next step in locating that pesky bolt?

[Rasputin]

As said in post #7 yes it would be the way to go.

[Jeffintampa]

ok

I think I will have to remove my exhaust as two of the front bolts on the pan are right above the pipe. Gonna get started wish me luck

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Jeff,

A little late to the party, but yes, removing the oil pan is required! When you removed the filter, if you stuck the magnet into that large hole in the edge of the filter chamber, you were just putting it into the outlet of the oil pump. IF you put the magnet into the oil drain plug hole, you were then accessing the bottom of the pan, but limited access that way, lots of corners around the pan. And has been stated, there's the engine case shelf ABOVE the pan that it may have fallen onto instead of all the way down into the pan! Keep at it, you'll find it eventually!!

T.C.

[Jeffintampa]

I think I will have to remove my exhaust as two of the front bolts on the pan are right above the pipe. Gonna get started wish me luck

yep, dropped exhaust, Oil pan and there it was setting pretty as can be ggrrrrr

[TopCatGr58]

Okay, SUCCESS!!

Now, just leave the pan OFF until you get the chain/sprockets/cam done. You can better visualize the crank cam chain sprocket this way to ENSURE That the chain is around and on the sprocket teeth, and not just trapped between the sprocket and the crank....just ask Tod/Trbig why!

T.C.

[Jeffintampa]

Okay, SUCCESS!!

Now, just leave the pan OFF until you get the chain/sprockets/cam done. You can better visualize the crank cam chain sprocket this way to ENSURE That the chain is around and on the sprocket teeth, and not just trapped between the sprocket and the crank....just ask Tod/Trbig why!

T.C.

Arnt you ready for a florida vacation yet dude? lol

[nommadd75]

Perseverance!

Wow! So glad to have found this site! Sorry about your challenges, Jeff. Just imagine how sweet the ride will be when you get everything sorted out! I've had my '79 SF Special for about twenty-five years and just got it running again after about seven years in storage. (Pick up coil lead followed by intermittent open in kill switch circuit topped off with a breach in #4 carb float.) I can't describe how great it feels to be back in the wind with my old friend! The members here are a phenomenal resource! I wish I had found this site seven years ago! LOL!! Perseverance WILL pay off!
"Never say die, say kill!"

[ViperRon]

Sorry to be late getting back to you Jeff but was a busy day for me too. Happy to see you found it.

Goes to show the old saying is still true.

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then.

[Gmac]

Good deal

I'm glad you got that wanderer without to much aggravation. On the plus side you're getting a complete education in how to take it apart and reassemble it which is invaluable.

[Ken Talbot]

Yes, remove the oil pan and get your hand in there. My bet is you will find it within three inches of the leading edge of the opening.

BTDT....