I have a 1984 22r 4 speed. Problem is that I recently took my starter out to rebuild it and when I went to put it back on the top bolt wouldn't start. I decided to pull the starter out and thread the bolt by hand when it slipped out of my and as a result I am almost certain the washer fell into what I think is called the clutch basket(it is the open area exposed when the clutch is removed). What do I do now?!?!?!? I fished with a magnet and my fingers with no luck...

 

It fell into the bell housing. A clutch basket is a part of a motorcycle clutch. Anyway, it's a fairly open and spacious area in there so it's pretty likely it fell all the way to the bottom. There's a sheetmetal plate between the engine and trans which you might be able to pry away enough to stick a coat hanger through and pull it out. If that doesn't work, you could loosen all the bolts around the bell housing to get a bit more clearance. Maybe back them all out about a quarter inch. Not too much because you don't want to totally separate the trans from the engine. Lining it all back up can sometimes be a pain. Last option is just to leave it in there.

 

Okay, so worst case I can just leave it down there? I assumed it would or could cause more damage, but if it is harmless I then I might just leave it there. Having no understanding what is inside the bell housing(thanks for the clarification) I was concerned.

 

Well, the flywheel and clutch are in there. It's certainly possible to get caught up in something but very improbably. Even if it did, it isn't likely to cause any damage, just a bit of noise til it eventually falls to the bottom... Probably.

 

One might be surprised just what a little washer might do.!!

I had something like this happen about a long time ago.

A 3/8" nut ended up in the bell housing never did figure out just how it got in there . Starter or transmission had not been out in over two years

Some how it ended up stuck between the fly wheel teeth and the starter nose locked that engine up even trying to pull it and releasing the clutch did not budge things.

Had no idea what was wrong till the engine was in the process of being pulled

So strange things can and do happen.

Might very well be the luck I have as well