Topic: Dropped a chunk of base gasket in cam chain alley/crankcase

[ts354]

1981 CB650

Hello everyone,
I was removing the base gasket and it was coming off in pieces about 2 inches and then there would be a stuck part and the gasket would break/tear.  No big deal right.  I had paper towels wrapped around my rods to keep stuff like that from falling into the crankcase.  But for some reason I did not think about the cam chain alley way. 
Sure enough a chunk about 1-1/2" to 2" broke while I was pulling and fall right into the cam chain alley.  I could see it, so I went and bought a small parts grabber (the one with the little claws that come out when you press down on the top with your thumb).  Got it!  Started pulling it out and it caught on the side and slipped out of the claws and disappeared into the depths.
What now?  Any suggestions?
Would removing the oil pan give me access to where I need to go to retrieve it? 

Thanks,
Todd 

[bryanj]

Should do

[1976cb750f836]

Shop vac! Poke around with a wire or something while vacuuming .
Air hose, set on max..

[ts354]

Spent 3 hours this afternoon and nothing.  I can't find it at all.  There is the cam chain sprocket and the Primary chain sprocket along with the primary sprocket tensioner down there and I cant see it anywhere - from the top or bottom (took the pan off), lots of places to hide.  Probed with a wire for a long time and couldn't see anything move or anything.

That primary chain tensioner does not come out without splitting the case - and I refuse to do that.  So, it looks like a gamble on what happens to the piece of gasket.  I tried compressed air and that didn't work.  I will try some brake cleaner or carb cleaner and see if that releases it from sticking to something that I can't see.

Gaul dang this makes me so mad!

[1976cb750f836]

If it's paper gasket, it will probably just get chewed up! Add 25% atf  with the oil, then startup. Run engine low rpm until warm. Drain oil. I'd change oil often for a while.

[DaveBarbier]

Spent 3 hours this afternoon and nothing.  I can't find it at all.  There is the cam chain sprocket and the Primary chain sprocket along with the primary sprocket tensioner down there and I cant see it anywhere - from the top or bottom (took the pan off), lots of places to hide.  Probed with a wire for a long time and couldn't see anything move or anything.

That primary chain tensioner does not come out without splitting the case - and I refuse to do that.  So, it looks like a gamble on what happens to the piece of gasket.  I tried compressed air and that didn't work.  I will try some brake cleaner or carb cleaner and see if that releases it from sticking to something that I can't see.

Gaul dang this makes me so mad!

I actually installed mine after sealing the cases. Had to remove the primary shaft and starter clutch but it can be done.

If it helps, here’s what it looks like in there. Maybe you can see where it might get stuck:


Have you removed the oil pan yet?

[ts354]

Found it!!!!

[BRG-BIRD]

That’s great!

[BenelliSEI]

Outstanding! Lucky too.......