Onan valve spring retainer lock

[TLD89]

When pulling valves out to decarb. my p218 1/2 of the valve retainer lock fell down into the oil pan. I've been looking for a set with no luck. They seem to be discontinued. Would anyone have a set they would sell? Not looking forward in dropping oil pan.

[Eugen]

This happened to me with a different engine. I was able to fish it out with a rare earth magnet taped on a 8 gage solid copper wire. But the piece of magnet was not large, and I taped it really well with strong construction red duck tape. Through the oil drain hole.

[DavidBarkey]

Put a heater under the oil pan . When warmed up drop the oil and hope it comes out with the rush of oil .If not take tube off and try what Eugen said . you really don't want a piece of steel floating around in the pan . Good luck . Hope it comes out with dropping the oil.

[Jancoe]

I also had this happen. One of those small telescoping magnets did it. Had to bend it a little to drop in to search for it. I wouldn't just assume it fell to the oil pan. It can get hung up on crank.

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[keith]

TLD89 How's your progress with your engine problem going? I would like to offer you the parts no charge, but they are off a b series engine and have different part numbers for a p218. Would anyone know if they are compatible? Nothing more frustrating to me than trying to find parts for an onan engine. I think every one here would like to see your tractor running again. Hope you had good luck fishing for the part and are back on track. :cheers:Keith

[Eugen]

Looks like it's Onan part number 110–3511 and probably not hard to find, but I'd say you definitely should get that out of the engine no matter what.

[Harry]

When trying to remove those little rascals from the valve area, someone told me to stuff a rag down the holes. I think it was boomer after I lost one into the oil pan. I took his advice and drained the oil and retrieved it with a telescopic magnetic. Harry

[TLD89]

Thanks for the advice from everyone. I finely got it out here are some pics.

onan1[1429].jpg

onan2[1428].jpg

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onan4[1427].jpg

[DavidBarkey]

Now that ,that has been done . Your not the only one to have something like this happen . Either in the pan or lost on the floor . Me included on other engines .

How much carbon was on the valves / head and piston anyways? Reason I ask is that I beleave now a good running engine with the fuels and oils we have these days decarboning is not as necessary any more. Only as often as you would do a valve job or head gasket . I know what the manuals say , but that was then this is now . If the engine is new to you and do not know service record , I say do it . But if like me , I have a P220 in Frankie . It has been about 9 years since I go it . Did a valve service (clean and lap ) then . He is used almost every day. Some times for 6-8 hours in a day , other times for minutes at a time . So lots of hours yearly , year round . Too many to count . I have had a peek a few times with a bore scope and very minimum carbon build up . I did a compression test in the summer and was still over 100 lbs in each cylinder . Now I use reg. gas with Seafoam in it year round and diesel engine oil . 10/30 winter / 15/40 summer .

my 2 cents worth
your thought guys

[Timj]

nice catch Terry.
Tim