Lost nut in starter

[Kenneth Cole]

Of all things. I was replacing the solenoid in my 1991 Humvee starter when the screw holding the solenoid in dropped down into the starter.
I removed the bolts from the end of the starter but tapping on the cover didn't loosen it. So before I go and wreck something I thought I would ask if there is something else I should do.

Ken

 

[fireball]

Try using some of those expanding pencil stick magnets. Try each opening you find

 

[87cr250r]

If it's inside the starter the permanent magnets in the stator will have a hold of it. You're going to need to open it. I don't know your starter specifically but the opposite drive end cover should come off without much fuss as it does on most electric motors. You may want to remove the brushes first so there is no risk of them being damaged.