I was following the waterpump replacement guide... http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=308680

And was at this part...

http://forums.maxima.org/showpost.ph...80&postcount=3

Notice the part where it says AT ALL COSTS.... well I still dropped it. So the piston and spring are in the timing chain cover and I don't know what exactly to do. What can I do to remove the piston and spring? Is there any hope for my engine? Any help is greatly appreciated as engines are not exactly where my knowledge lies.

Paul

 

Could you get to it with an extendable magnet

 

try a magnet and hope you can reach it as said above and if you can see it try needle nose pliers

 

I tried the magnet, but just too many metal things in there and I don't even hear the spring or piston dropping or moving.

Can I take anything apart without having to pull the engine?

 

Alright.... this is the third day into working to get the timing chain cover off. My parent's neighbor graciously offered his awesome expertise and garage to work on the project. I've been having a frustrating, yet incredible time working on the car. We have removed every bolt on the timing chain cover, removed just about all of the hardware in the way, and we are about to take the cover off. I am very happy in the end that this all happened because through this, I noticed several issues that needed to be addressed on my car: new belts, new hoses, rust issues to be addressed (MA car), power steering minor leak, and the biggest issue: behind the crank shaft pulley... the rtv sealant at the bottom half circle of the timing chain had failed and developed a slight oil leak. In addition, grit was getting into the oil at that location from the road etc. and I had been noticing the grit in my oil for a while. If the crank shaft pulley didn't need to be removed, the leak probably would have never seen the light of day (or the work light haha).

On that note: has anyone had to remove their crankshaft pulley and had a $%^&* of a time doing so? We tried several normal approaches like a strap wrench, but none were doing the job. Once I get a chance I'll get the picture of the bastard contraption we rigged up to finally break the bolt loose. Also, I didn't take copious notes during the process as the job just needed to get done and I haven't seen any other posts about taking the timing chain cover off, so when this is done I'll post up the haynes directions and add any helpful hints found along the way.
Moving forward with lots of help,
Paul