In attempting to change out my cracked valve retainers, what I feared most had happened. The valve retainer keepers popped out and I beleive my motor ate one of the keepers, not 100% sure (hoping that it flew out into the engine bay instead) Now there are two holes near the intake mani side by cylinder 1 and 3. I had stuck a magnetic pen down the hole and it seems to be about a foot deep and no luck in picking up the keepers. Searched everywhere on the head and nothing.

What are my options in trying to fix this issue? Also say that the keeper fell into the hole, what could potentially happen

 

You CANNOT run the engine till you find that cotter.

It happened to me. I drained the oil and reached into the drain plug hole with a magnet. got it.

 

Happened to me when I did an integra. Ended up dropping the oil pan and windage tray, but I found it. The lesson is to plug all those holes with towels when working on the head

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Would the keepers fall through into the oil pan? Is it possible that from the hole in the head can lead to somewhere in the block and to the oil pan? Contemplating on tearing the motor apart but looking at the helms manual deferred me away from even attempting that. Is there anything that can be done to help move the keepers towards the oil pan? like cycling the oil through the motor over and over? Are there chances that the keepers can also be wedged into a tight spot kepeping it from moving?

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

It sounds like your trying to find a way of letting this slip by.. and it cost you 2800-3200 for a new engine. drain the oil, use a magnetic wand and fish around, but until you find that keeper.. DO NOT RUN THAT ENGINE...

 

Just do what I said. It is very likely it's in the oil pan and a magnet will grab it.