My arthritic fingers enabled me to lose a SS torx head fuel stand bolt down the intake fuel stand hole in my 36 Ford 5W.. I have removed the entire intake assembly as well as the oil pan ( with the engine still in the car ). I have inspected the entire crank assembly for a hidden pocket where this bolt might be hiding. The 2 crankcase breather holes on either side of the fuel pump rod bushing are just the right size for the bolt to enter. Question: is there a space somewhere at the back of the block that this mysterious bolt could be hiding? Embarrassed and needing help. Cheers
Did you have the proper breather tube in it when you dropped the bolt? If yes it should have gone straight into that hole. Makes it easier to search for.
Shouldn't be embarrassed......that happens. I know it's frustrating as hell when your hands don't work like they used to. Good luck on your search.
The entire unit had been removed as I had just finished shortening the fuel pump push rod ( using electric fuel pump ) and wanted to check the threads on the bolt against the aluminum intake threaded bolt hole.
I love SS bolts, and I hate them if they are good quality stainless cause the magnet tool is of no help! Did it have a washer on it too?
I answered this question on the other site, but I'll answer it here also. Some stainless steel, 302, 303, 304, and 309 can become slightly magnetic when cold worked or annealed. 403 to 446 ss is magnetic at all times. Most cheap stainless bolts are 303 so you might get lucky if a magnet will work.
I tested the magnet on the lone SS bolt I have left and it was not magnetic at all..the washer is still on the bench currently
I wish I knew where it was or I could seem some glimmer of it...I have tried flexible " claw style" pick ups, mirrors etc all to no avail...
perhaps but how would you know? I have turned the crank manually and all seems quiet and turning with just the usual resistance.nothing has fallen out or down since I took the pan off.
maybe it never fell in the hole ....just a thought ....after taking it all apart my luck it would be on the floor
For looking down holes, oil galleys other cracks and crevices, you might ask your local good engine shop and they might have a flexible bore scope that you might borrow to do a look see. (It's kinda like a colonoscopy in miniature.) Sent from my XT1710-02 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Some times.............it's quicker to just pull it ALL apart than to "try & buy" everything under the sun to help find the lost item. (After all this IS just a hobby). I'm with you though........I absolutely HATE when I do stuff like this! ggrrrr 6sally6
How about using compressed air from a few different directions to try and knock it loose? Might be kinda messy, but....
If your air blow gun tip unscrews, add an adapter to 1/8" flare and use a couple feet of 1/8" copper tubing put on it. You can bend the soft copper in many ways in the holes to burst some air around. Sent from my SM-G973U using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
the compressed air isn't a bad idea..if I have time tonight I will try that before ordering the scope. If I pull apart the motor I might as well rebuild it with a bunch of speed goodies...hmmmm
Magnet on a stick and chase it til it sticks, then stick it in the right place and tighten it up and you'll be set. JW
It always amuses me when people jump onto the end of a thread with a suggestion but haven't bothered to read the whole thread. It is clear early in the thread that the bolt is stainless and non magnetic.