4.2L Harmonic Balancer Key Retrieval - Fell Behind Timing Chain Cover

Hatman

New Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2021
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4
Location
Wisconsin
While tapping the new harmonic balancer onto my 4.2L, the locating key worked its way off the shaft and seems to have fallen behind the timing chain cover. I tried a magnet to retrieve it, but there is little room to sneak it in. Any suggestions? I am assuming I will have to remove the timing chain cover and try to fish it out, but just thought I would see if anyone had any advice. Thanks!
 
If there is enough room between the shaft and the seal, I would try long nosed needle nosed pliers. Or maybe a piece of stiff wire like a coat hanger with a small 90 deg bend on the end. See if you can fish the bend in the wire behind the back end of the key and pull. Good luck.
 
I ended up pulling the timing cover off and getting it out with a magnet. It had already slid halfway down the oil pan toward the sump. Now I'm battling with putting the timing cover on with new gaskets and RTV. I'm sure it's gonna be a battle.
 
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