Engine Accidentally pulled lifter, can’t get it back in

[Brently2003]

So I was changing my valve cover gasket, noticed in the rear it was missing a bolt. Saw that the front most bolt was same size as it, dug in my box of random bolts and found one for it.

I wanted to make sure it was right so I screwed it into the front hole to verify and after unscrewing it my fat fingers dropped it and plop right down in the rod hole. Got my magnet out and went fishing. After numerous failed attempts I concluded it must have been stainless and non magnetic, but the lifter is and accidentally pulled it out of the seat.

I got a claw tool and successfully retrieved the bolt without dropping it further into the engine and have been playing all day with the magnet trying to reseat the lifter. I can get it upright and looks to be over the hole but just can’t get it to drop in.

I got the performance tool valve lifter tool, but the “skirt” is just a bit too big to go thru the rocker hole, and if I file it down it would lose the ability to work as the tool.

Does anyone have any ideas? Trying to get it in without having to pull the head, it’s so close, just not quite.

Thanks,
Riley

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Get it lined up and use the push rod to push it back into place

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

 

[Brently2003]

I’ve tried, but it’s the lining up I can’t get. Get it standing straight up and looks to be over the hole and push down with the rod and can’t get it in. It will just fall over to the side

 

[Manic Mechanic]

You might just have to yank the head

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

 

[hole]

Try rotating it while you are re-installing it

 

[pblanton]

It's a longshot, but try putting the lifter in the freezer for about an hour. Put on gloves so that your hands don't warm it up too quickly, and then see if it will drop in. It'll help if the engine is nice and warm and the lifter is as cold as you can get it. Maybe put a space heater over the head where the lifter goes for about 20 minutes before you pull the lifter out of the freezer. You could also use fire (propane torch) but the space heater is a little safer.

Freezing the lifter and warming up the head might get you about a thousandth, which is maybe all you need.

 

[CJ]

I like this idea. Kinda like freezing a shaft to facilitate easy bearing installation.

 

[Brently2003]

Can’t pull the lifter thru the pushrod hole though.

 

[Brently2003]

I was able to get in in! Ended up using Performance Tool Valve Lifter Removal Tool The Skirt wouldn't fit in the rod hole, so angled it sideways and hit it with a hammer and got in in, grabbed the lifter and plopped it right in. Thanks guys.

 

[CJ]

Perseverance wins!

 

[TSB8C]

Didn't have any recommendations to help you, but I've been following this thread in case I ever encounter the same issue. Congrats. Glad to see you were successful, and I'm logging your tool/method for future reference - I hope I'll never need.