Flywheel Key Disappeared Down The Crankshaft Bolt Hole

[Ray Pooley]

Hayter 13/30 Ride On Mower With 12.5HP Briggs and Stratton Engine

I was refitting the flywheel and the 15mm x 5mm x 4mm key fell into the bolt hole in the crankshaft.

I am assuming the bolthole is blind and going nowhere.

Because it is full of water as rain found its way in there while the bolt was out. (In spite of the numerous tarps over it).

Am I ok to leave it there and buy a new one?

Or do I need to figure out how to pull it out?

I'm going to need a very thing magnetic wand.

All mine are too big.

What do you all think?

Cheers

[Mick]

A dob of thick grease on the tip of a screwdriver might be able to grab it if it's not jammed in.

The hole doesn't go anywhere, but best to get it out if possible, in case the bolt hits it and prevents it seating.

[Ray Pooley]

A dob of thick grease on the tip of a screwdriver might be able to grab it if it's not jammed in.

The hole doesn't go anywhere, but best to get it out if possible, in case the bolt hits it and prevents it seating.

Thanks for the response.
I found a pair of tweezers in the medicine cabinet that did the trick.
BTW the key is non magnetic.
Probably because it's on an electric generator.

[Mick]

A dob of thick grease on the tip of a screwdriver might be able to grab it if it's not jammed in.

The hole doesn't go anywhere, but best to get it out if possible, in case the bolt hits it and prevents it seating.

Thanks for the response.
I found a pair of tweezers in the medicine cabinet that did the trick.
BTW the key is non magnetic.
Probably because it's on an electric generator.

Briggs & Stratton usually have a Aluminium flywheel key regardless of charging system or not. It's so if the engine comes to a sudden stop (Hitting an obstruction etc) it can shear the key without destroying the crankshaft or flywheel.  I take it your key wasn't sheared?