Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) HELP key in timing casing

[webergreg]

While installing new injector pump the key relocated itself to the bottom of timing casing . Everything was aligned at 12:00, the edge of key must have cought on edge of gear keyway and away it went. Any suggestions on recovering it, I would prefer to get it out. If it has to be left in will it interfear with things ?

 

[InfernoB]

You would have to be 100% sure it ended up in the pan, and then get a new key. Are you 100% sure?

I would pull the front cover and look for it.



Good luck.

 

[SEmerson]

I would pull the cover to make sure it isn't laying on a gear. But now with the cover off it should be easy to find in the front the pan.

 

[webergreg]

Update. Key is out Oo. Took cover bolts out and pried top open about 5/16 inch, put die light (any toolmakers will know what light this is) in thru opening in front of pump gear, could see key laying on bottom below vac pump gear, made up a maganet on a stick (1/4 inch dia. scriber the kind w/magnet on one end attached to old aluminum . 22cal cleaning rod) to get it out. Worked quite well Will try round two in morning. I also prickpunched side of key to tighten fit in keyway.

 

[WardJ]

Yikes! Congrats on the recovery. Thats usually my trick... ..... somehow making more work for myself.





Jack

 

[JFaughn]

I bought a tools for about $20 about 20 yrs ago from the Snap On dealer [ not a snap on tool ] it was a pen light with about an 18 " rod , on the end was a small light bulb 3/16 , it came with a few attachments , the one I used same problem different car , a clear tube with a magnet on the end , this gave light & a way to pick up screw .

 

[Bob4x4]

While installing new injector pump the key relocated itself to the bottom of timing casing . Everything was aligned at 12:00, the edge of key must have cought on edge of gear keyway and away it went. Any suggestions on recovering it, I would prefer to get it out. If it has to be left in will it interfear with things ?

The #1 reason I won't advise DIYers to change a pump



Bob

 

[AFoulk]

I went thru the same thing a few weeks ago when changing mine. I pulled the whole front cover off and found mine wedged between the PS and cam gears. the engine must have moved just enough when I released the parking brake, and I must have had it in gear when I did it. This was so I could push it in the shop for the night. Put it in 6th gear and pushed the truck just enough to get the engine to turn a bit to get the key out. I'll be sure not to do that again

 

[BLMills]

Webergreg,



If you haven't already, might try painting the key and line down the pump shaft threads to the end of shaft with a yellow paint pen. I read this tip on another thread. I just replaced my VP44 two nights ago and this really helped getting the key lined up with the notch.



I am no expert by any means, but I sure learned alot changing out the pump.



Good luck!



Gunny

 

[NoSeeUm]

Mine was already glued in place as shipped. But I have heard of others using a little dab of Super Glue in the right place before installation.



Jim

 

[webergreg]

I had everything back together early monday am. Once the pump was in place the rest was easy . I also removed Banks Ottomind box since it taps the pump wire, I really didn't want to void the warranty before I even fired it back up. Now to find something to bring back power that doesn't tap pump wire. Stock is no fun need to have a little something.