Lost bolt :(

[Jumpman31]

Yeah I know this is a noob mistake...but I dropped one of the bolts that fit down the middle of the head into the block. :picardfp: So I guess the thing to ask is if anyone has done this before (probably not haha) and possible methods of retrieving the bolt. I've looked everywhere in that block...and I've done everything but take it apart, which I'm trying to avoid. I'm thinking it fell through on of the holes into maybe the oil pan? Either way, I have to find it before I proceed on my car. Thoughts?

[SLiDe_WaYz]

Magnetic stick bro, there like 2-15$ at autozone.

[josephin510]

God speed with you sir

[Walperstyle]

I think its hilarious how you think it could be in the Oil Pan.

Answer: Not yet, lol.

I'm guessing you dropped it down a spark plug hole? or did you have your valve cover off and drop it down the front timing cover? This will determine if its in the Oil pan or not. I doubt it though, you would know if it was.

[Jumpman31]

Both the valve cover and the and the timing chain cover were off because I was removing the chain guides. I haven't started the car yet obviously, because I haven't put it back together just yet. Is there some kind of sign that I'll know it's in the oil pan when I do? I'm pretty sure I didn't drop it down a spark plug hole, but after searching all the nooks and crannies and not seeing a thing, I'm not absolutely positive anymore.

[neonaire]

use a magnet stick if that helps, im not sure how bad is the situation, but worst comes to worst, you will have to take it apart to retrieve it, or just buy another bolt.

[shiftdrift]

use a magnet stick if that helps, im not sure how bad is the situation, but worst comes to worst, you will have to take it apart to retrieve it, or just buy another bolt.

You can't just buy another.....if he leaves it in there his engine will most likely blow

[jr_ss]

Flashlight, magnetic stick, long screw driver and needle nose pliers. First task is actually spotting it. Need light to see down in there. Take your time. Worse case pull the rest of the timing cover off.

[louisdaboois]

Lol, no worries OP, you're not the only one who's done that. Everyone's suggestion is pretty solid. Honestly, I'd take the oil pan off first and fish around to make sure it's not in there since it's easy enough to pull it off.

If not, then purchase a magnet like everyone else suggested, but make sure you don't cheap out. I've seen with my own eyes, the head of a telescoping magnet break off into the combustion chamber of a motor. Not saying it was me... just saying I saw it happen to a guy...

[R33E8]

Magnetic stick bro, there like 2-15$ at autozone.

+ one.. I had the same thing happen to me and the stick got it out in a couple seconds.. Just watch out for it being attracted to the block (if it's a ka) and such...

[Jumpman31]

Thanks, guys. Will stop by autozone and grab a magnetic stick on the way home, fish around for a couple minutes, and then pull the oil pan if I don't find anything...how easy is it to get into the pan?

[st280]

Maybe something like:
Wireless Inspection Camera - Great Deals on Wireless Inspection Cameras at Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/digital-inspection-camera-67979.html)

Would be very handy right now? Then when you're done just return it? Haha.

[Jumpman31]

Maybe something like:
Wireless Inspection Camera - Great Deals on Wireless Inspection Cameras at Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/digital-inspection-camera-67979.html)

Would be very handy right now? Then when you're done just return it? Haha.

Haha not a bad idea...I'll keep that in the corner of my mind haha

[holybushoffire]

Post a picture of the engine the way you had it when you dropped the bolt and show us which hole it went down. That would help a lot.

[turbo-travis]

You can't just buy another.....if he leaves it in there his engine will most likely blow

LMAO! My first thought too

[codyace]

While I'm not condoning this, we've done stupid shit like this on enduro cars, and have often said fuck it and left bolts/shit down there. No issues. It's not like a bolt is going to ever float in water, should be ok. Heck we had a 302 once that we droped the oil drive off and into the pan. Said fuck it and it was there for almkost 2 years till we overheated it and tore it down.

9/10 if it falls into the lower pan, you'll be fine if you can't get it. It's the only hole I can think of in that regard. If you dropped it down a head drain you'll be ok as well. Just keep patient, use a light, and get a flexible magnet.

[Jumpman31]

Well..after many magnetic sticks, small, big, round, square, short, tall, fat, skinny, etc...I still haven't found that bolt. :wtf:

Here's an illustration to show where I dropped it and watched my life fall into the block for a couple weeks. The red arrow shows where.

Thanks again guys. If there's any other suggestions before I give up, piece it back together and hope for the best, please let me know. Thanks.

[codyace]

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/19/l_4beb85e9ee4344e8ad62465587d4e4ed.jpg
Not the best picture, but if you look, you can see the possible path of where it may have gone. I'd look down the head drains to see if it went down there, or check the timing area.

Again, if it's in the pan I'd either mark it off as 'fuck it' and go from there, or pull the lower pan off.