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[vince]

Hi, I'm inclined to think if the filter broke up inside, the gauze would stop the top from coming down, possibly it has separated while being removed leaving the top in place and the PO has throw the gauze away and the top has falled down later.
however an easy way to check is to use a small mirror and a torch. Vince

[PeteF]

That's a possible scenario Vince.
Certainly simpler than bringing Erwin into the equation.

[Wheaters]

My favourite fishing tool for jobs like this is a piece of galvanised fencing wire (bendy, soft wire) with a small, right angled bend at the end for the hook.

[Chris [Stockport]]

Many thanks for the replies. Papasmurf: I couldn't find any cameras left at Lidl, but went for one at Screwfix (not their £3,000 one that I'd imagine you could nearly use medically...) But it's good. You tempted me with a new toy and I'm glad I fell for it.

Pete, the camera showed nothing up there, and I was able to compare this with my other Bullet, same engine. They look identical.

Also tried with a bit of wire as suggested, it went up the same amount on both bikes so that is probably a good sign; nothing to come out. There isn't a PO, Vince; I've had it from new. So I think it must have broken up and then fallen out unnoticed in amongst the oil. And the fact that the top dropped out does suggest it couldn't have mysteriously got past the gauze.

So that leaves just the theory of the cat or an alien. I think the latter, as the cats haven't been in the garage.

Assuming, then, that it has gone, what do you think? Given that the engine has an oil filter anyway, do they really benefit from this gauze, or would it be fine just to put the plug back in, that's how it is for now.

[Adrian]

Assuming ET isn't coming back in a fit of interstellar remorse to return it to you, I'd still fit a replacement gauze plug.



If something does fail in the engine you still want to scoop up the debris at the earliest possible opportunity before it causes trouble elsewhere in the engine. Failed big end bush particles picked up by the scavenge pump can block the rocker feed, and the resultant back pressure can make it hard or impossible for the scavenge oil pump to work, with possible dire consequences for the rest of the engine if not dealt with in time. Some owners also fit an additional cartridge filter into the rocker feed line just in case, as the gauze still lets very small and damaging particles through.



If you have a roller big-end fitted, I'd want also want the replacement plug drilled and tapped for a short ¼" BSF screw with a couple of 5mm neodymium magnets on top to pick up any fine ferrous debris the gauze would miss.



A.

[Chris [Stockport]]

Adrian: I'll fit a new gauze.
Many thanks, Chris