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Dropped Metallic Rod Into Oil Filler

33K views 259 replies 58 participants last post by  Babaganoush 
#1 ·
Basically the title... I am so klutzy. Essentially, I was checking the oil of my 2004 Bonneville with the rod from this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GTVOJQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (which I apparently thought was a great idea) and I dropped it after I put it too far into the hole.

What should I do? I'm basically brand new to motorcycling, and was really trying my best to get into maintaining it, but I still lack common sense :(
I have all the tools I need to maintain it (I think) so I'm open to suggestions...

Thank you for your help...
 
#2 ·
#4 ·
Why would you even be using a rod? You have no frame of reference for what is a correct level. Just use the sight glass, basically if there is oil in the glass when the bike is upright your're good to go.
 
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#8 ·
and don't forget luck...... you need luck too. But you can't buy that from Amazon
 
#11 ·
Sorry to have to tell you but that tool you linked in your first post is aluminum and a magnet will not work. Unless you can grab it with something disassembly is the only remedy that I can see.
 
#12 ·
I think that the rod in the chain alignment tool is steel. The body of the tool is aluminum.

I hope that the OP can get the rod out around all those gears. That's a tough lesson to learn.
 
#13 ·
I have one of those alignment tools. The rod isn't magnetic at all, not even a little :(

These little endoscopes are pretty cheap, might help you visualize where the rod is if you can't see it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00STB0EW6/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I got that one a couple years ago, there may be a better model by now.

I feel for you @Zix. Keep up the good attitude, hopefully the gods are kind to you and don't make you suffer too much.
 
#14 · (Edited)
Zix, I feel your pain. I have had experience with what seem like a good idea at the time but ended up with something falling into a place that is a problem. Likely there are many in this forum with similar experience as well. The key is to relax and try to find an easy solution. And if easy solution does not work disassembly will.
 
#15 ·
You'll be ok - Don't panic. Absolutely do not turn the bike over or move anything. Leave it sit exactly as it is.
You want to very carefully lower the magnetic rod down in slow and easy and slow and easily pull it back up to see if you captured the metal rod. I certainly hope the rod you dropped in was not stainless steel --- then it would time to begin a panic...

Good luck.
 
#17 ·
Here is a idea for you. Get to the closest Harbor Freight and get both a magnetic pickup tool and a small diameter mechanical fingers.
If the rod is indeed aluminum or happens to be SS you are going to have to fish for it with the mechanical fingers. If the rod is iron the magnet will save the day.
Hang in there - you'll get it out one way or the other.
 
#18 ·
Another option: get the bike on a paddock stand (or centre stand if you have one), drain the oil, remove the frame cradle rails (you'll need to remove the oil cooler), crawl under the bike and remove the oil sump (10? 10mm bolts) - you *might* get better access from underneath...

Tim

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk
 
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#20 ·
Oh no. :( I already bought the magnet. I was reading about the oil sump as being a possible solution before I posted on the thread, but it sounds rather difficult. I'm not sure if some mechanical fingers would work, either. Does anyone have a good example of one of these grabbers? Also, how would I know where it would be other than spending some money on a camera?

Whenever I first put the rod in there, I was going over to the left at a 45 degree angle, and it went straight down to where the oil resides, I believe.

Thank you all for being so supportive. I can't say I didn't freak out when it happened :s
 
#23 ·
#28 ·
Lol. That endoscope looks like a fun toy, but how are you going to grab a slick oil covered stainless rod with that claw?

This might be my favorite triumphrat thread yet. If the magnet doesn’t work dropping the oil sump is probably the next move. You will need a new gasket though if you do that.


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#29 ·
I think your next step is to get an USB Endoscope (like the one linked on page 1) that will fit into the oil filler hole and take a look around who knows maybe the rod is right there for the getting.
 
#31 ·
Here's a mechanical grabber from Amazon and they have others on the page also. I'd certainly practice with it, and have a beer first, before trying it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GGPD5NL/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1

I do like the idea of draining the oil first, in situ of course, without moving the bike at all. Me, I'd do anything to try to get a look at where the end, or top, is before trying. It may even be lodged on a 'shelf' and might fall further if clumsily disturbed.

Do you have an idea of the length of the rod? You seem to remember which direction it fell which is helpful.

Best of luck!
 
#36 ·
I learned a long time ago to stay out of the insides of an engine so I'm wondering is it possible for that rod to make its way to the bottom? My money would be on its hung up somewhere, but I dont know.
Also to the OP, take the key out of the ignition, you dont need any more accidents at this point!
 
#38 ·
No, there's no access from the sides. Not great access from the bottom either to be honest. The bottom of motor isn't all open above the sump, there are a couple decent size windows though, with the crank above those. But, one thing at a time, first get a good visual on the rod and figure out where it is.

Almost wondering if something really sticky wouldn't help. Like fly paper wrapped around a dowel? But whatever you do, don't add to the problem and let something like that fall in :) Like the attachments that come with that endoscope, don't use them!

You are safe to put the bike in neutral and roll it to the side of the garage if need be. You don't want to turn the motor for sure, or let the rod fall deeper. But you ought to be alright doing that if need be.
 
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