Man, I feel your pain. My gut dropped to the pit of my stomach when this happened to me last week. I kept looking, but, kept working. Finally, I found it hung up on the radiator hose. I cannot tell you how relieved I was.

If you don't find it, and you're sure it's in the engine, I'd turn the bike upside down, as suggested by others. I'd even blow compressed air into the oil drain plug. Also, I'd put something over the base to catch the little bugger when it comes out....so I'd know I got it.

 

Well, I kept fishing but no luck as of yet. I am fairly certain it is in there, but can't believe it hasn't turned up yet. Maybe I need to look around on the bike a little more. Maybe Zomby was being serious so I apologize for the name calling. I think getting the bike upside down and or using the air compressor idea might just do the trick. I will have to give that a try. Thanks gents.

 

What ever you do, it has to come out before you fire it up.

I have a 351 kit sitting here being installed too.

David

 

Maybe it's not there. Sweep the floor.

 

If you know it's in the engine, I apologize for this recommendation, but, make sure it's not on top of your skidplate.

 

Well, I have the rear wheel up on the jack and have the bike leaning forward. I filled the engine with seafoam to try and pick that ring up and brng it forward. I shook the hell out of it trying to wiggle it forward but still no luck. I am going to head to work and grab a couple of these high power magnets that we have there. They will pull things to them if in the vicinity of any metal. I just have to be sure I don't get one of them stuck in there. I will keep working on it and see if I can fish that sucker out.

 

Bummer. All I got to say is good luck and happy finding on that snap ring.

 

It's done. I bailed out and took it to the local shop. They found it under the clutch which I didn't have the tools to remove. Cost about an hours labor, lesson learned.

And I did try the upside down thing and blew air through the oil drain with no luck. Thanks again for all the replies, even Zombie's.

 

NOW back to the scheduled installation.
glad you got it and I want to hear how it performs.

David

 

Even Zomby's.

Is it any wonder I don't bother most of the time?
Rookies shouldn't criticize advice from professional mechanics.
I won't try to help anymore.