starter bits in crankcase!

Hi, I'm new today. Help! I removed the starter on my 1974 series 3 lightweight and the nut and washer on the back fell down the crankcase. I tried with magnets but can't find it. Short of an engine out job, can it do any damage left there, or someone said cut a hole in the bottom of the crankcase, which can then be patched afterwards. This seems excessive. Any advice would be welcome chaps! Thanks.

:welcome2:

I take it by the crankcase you mean the gearbox bellhousing. If its the hole that the starter fits into then its the bellhousing. The nuts etc can cause damage to your starter ring and I suspect the clutch also. There should be a hole on the top of the bellhousing where the gearstick enters. Try putting the magnet down from there. Good luck and welcome to the site.

Thanks. Yes its the bellhousing - just fell of the back of the starter as I pulled it out. I'll have a look and give it a try.