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Engine May have dropped washer into cylinder head?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dqureshi06
  • Start date Start date Nov 3, 2024
D

dqureshi06

Member
Mar 25, 2024
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18
Virginia
Nov 3, 2024
#1
  • Nov 3, 2024
  • #1
I was cleaning my thermostat with brake clean and a metal washer (a small flat washer that is smaller than a fingertip if it means anything) until the washer slipped out of my finger and I believe it went into the intake where the thermostat housing is bolted to. I looked inside with a flashlight and could not see it. Then I saw a large hole that leads to the cylinder head on the passenger side. I am thinking it may have went there? I’m going to rent a borescope and look inside, but if I don’t see it in there, is there anywhere else in the engine it can go to after falling inside there? I had the intake covered with rags but somehow the washer managed to slip through.
 

89ripper

Founding Member
Jun 3, 2002
926
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103
Rockford, Illinois
Nov 3, 2024
#2
  • Nov 3, 2024
  • #2
https://www.harborfreight.com/flexible-magnetic-pickup-tool-94614.html?event_id=183269&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=425671840&campaignid=425671840&utm_content=1163284329699128&adsetid=1163284329699128&product=94614&store=475&msclkid=04dee9ea9e1b19e9aae78ec28f251ed5

Or something similar. Your guess is as good as mine. Only you know for sure what places it could have fallen into.
 
Reactions: WhiteCobra95 and Mac131

rednotch

I'd like to remain having one chocolate starfish
Founding Member
Aug 14, 2000
1,387
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south jersey
Nov 3, 2024
#3
  • Nov 3, 2024
  • #3
Shop vac and section of garden hose empty the shop vac first and pray it sucks it up...
 
Reactions: Mac131 and dqureshi06

89ripper

Founding Member
Jun 3, 2002
926
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103
Rockford, Illinois
Nov 3, 2024
#4
  • Nov 3, 2024
  • #4
Good idea. You know what, do both. Can never be too sure
 
Reactions: Mac131

Trogdor

5 Year Member
Aug 30, 2018
195
119
53
Anna, TX
Nov 5, 2024
#5
  • Nov 5, 2024
  • #5
Before I would do anything invasive, I would make sure that cylinder intake valve is closed.

If the washer is not in the head yet, worst case is pulling the intake manifold.

If it's not in the intake, then a magnet through the spark plug hole.

Or just save up for some sweet cylinder heads and call it a sign from above!
 
Reactions: WhiteCobra95, nickyb and General karthief

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
5,886
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Claremore, OK
Nov 6, 2024
#6
  • Nov 6, 2024
  • #6
The washer may have gone into the thermostat opening on the intake not the intake runner.
 
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