lost bolt...PLEASE HELP!!!

[bdaddy39]

when I was putting my new intake manifold on I noticed one of the bolts I had sitting up by the fire wall was missing. I don't think it fell in the intake openings on the heads when the manifold was off. If it did fall in one of the openings, what should I do? I had both throttle/cruise control bolts on the fire wall rubber piece by the the window. I found one on the floor and the other one I can't find...I already put the new intake manifold on. should I take it back off and see if I can get a long magnet or something in the opening an try to get it out if it's in one of them?

also when I was putting new spark plugs in, one of the coil on plugs was filled with oil. I'm going to replace the valve cover gaskets. any tips on taking the valve covers off...

 

[Burlyirishdude]

trust me the time it takes you to take off the IM will surely save you the time rebuilding **** if in fact it found it's merry way into your block/system. You'll be soooo pissed and don't try and rely on the idea of just shooting it out of the exhaust Kidding, seriously just go to home cheapo and get a telescoping magnet and just feel around. if you don't get anything, pull the bottom IM and search the valley. Sorry dude, hope you find your bolt.

 

[Twista]

its in the valley. =]

 

[sneaky98gt]

its in the valley. =]

Almost certainly. I've dropped more than one bolt in the valley.

 

[bdaddy39]

Found it....it was hidden between the engine and the trans...all done replacing the intake manifold, cop's, spark plugs, valve cover gaskets...runs like a champ...still scared of the valley...lol

 

[BlackStang03]

I learned to always take the bolts out and set them on the ground, or if you have a work bench near the car thats an even better spot. Everytime I use to stick them somewhere on the car, they always tend to fall and get stuck in a spot that you can get your hand into. I never have dropped one inside the engine though.

 

[Night Shifter]

glad you found it man! i woulda cried for you if it turned out to be in the motor

 

[patman0911]

I learned to always take the bolts out and set them on the ground, or if you have a work bench near the car thats an even better spot. Everytime I use to stick them somewhere on the car, they always tend to fall and get stuck in a spot that you can get your hand into. I never have dropped one inside the engine though.

I like to keep one of those Gladware plastic containers nearby to throw all the bolts in to keep them from getting scattered.

A table right next to the car is great, makes things so much more efficient otherwise I tend to use the plastic radiator cover as the place to set frequently used tools when I'm doing something and, of course, they're constantly rolling or getting knocked off.


A telescoping magnet is a lifesaver working on the 4.6L - lots of inconvenient places for small items to disappear to.

 

[HOT MERC]

Glad you found it. saved a lot of trouble.