locknut

[CKS]

Apparently I didn't tighten one intake valve adjustment locknut after completing my valve adjustment and it has disappeared. I'm assuming it slipped down the valve chain channel and is resting in the oil pan. Any suggestion on how to get it out without dismantling the engine??

cks '96 r1100rt

 

[jdiaz]

Leave it. Its not going anywhere, and you can't get it out without splitting the cases anyway.

 

[kbasa]

What Jon said.....

 

[widebmw]

Should this be on "Oilheads"

 

[fish]

I'm not sure when BMW started adding a baffle and two oil pickups in the cases, but I think it was prior to '96. Nonetheless, you can try getting it out with a magnet on a flexible rod through the oil drain hole. If it's the newer style case, there will be a baffle right above that drain, so the magnet isn't going to go to the rear, only the front. If the nut dropped down rear of the baffle, it's not coming out, since it won't fit through the hole in the baffle over the drain hole. You can also try adding a magnet drain plug, and that will also likely pick up the nut, if it fell in front of the baffle.

In any event, once it's in the sump, it won't do any damage to your engine. The oil pickups have screens over them, and the oil level is 8-10 inches below the crank.

Good luck (from someone who also lost a nut).