Re: Transmission
This is a last ditch, nothing to lose, "what-the-heck?" kind of suggestion, but if you are unable to retrieve the lost washer by conventional fishing expeditions or flushing with fluids, I wonder if the following idea will work? I have never tried this, but theoretically it should work. Now, remember, though - this is ONLY if nothing else does the trick.
You can't drive the car with that washer in the transmission case, right? So, you're facing a transmission/bellhousing removal issue. This is not a fun procedure because the rear end has to be pulled, including shock links, brake rods, etc. BUT - I THINK if you remove the following items, the washer can be removed without going through all of that:
(1) remove all the bellhousing bolts
(2) disconnect the front axle wishbone connection at the bottom of the bellhousing
(3) take off the brake and clutch pedals
(4) remove all the u-joint bolts from the clamshell housing
(5) disconnect the negative battery cable to the starter
(6) put the transmission into neutral
The shifter housing w/emergency brake handle is already off for your flushing procedures. One less thing to remove. I don't think you'll have to remove the battery, but act accordingly if it's in the way. Whether the muffler needs to be dropped for the pedal shaft to clear depends upon how far over you can rotate the transmission/bellhousing. Be sure the transmission is in neutral or it can't be spun on the front and rear shafts. The engine and the u-joint will prevent that in any case except while in neutral.
The bellhousing and transmission are now free and you SHOULD be able to rotate the unit 180 degrees so that the shift tower opening is facing the ground, i.e., on the bottom. The washer should just fall out, perhaps with a little coaxing from a coat hanger or similar long, skinny stick. Maybe rapidly rotating the transmission back and forth will also convince the washer to drop out. One way or another, gravity is now your friend and will help dislodge the washer.
Yes, this is a lot of work, but almost everything I have recommended you loosen or remove would have to be likewise addressed anyway if you pull the rear end to remove the transmission/bellhousing.
I am trying to envision what I have just written and see no objection to it working - theoretically. Even if this doesn't work, however, you're just that much closer to pulling the rear end and then the tranny. That's REALLY the last resort.
Let us know if this suggestion works.
Marshall
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