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Technical 1937 flathead lost bolt..help!

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Goodguy65, Feb 26, 2020.

  1. Goodguy65
    Joined: Apr 24, 2017
    Posts: 46

    Goodguy65

    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
     
  2. flathead4d
    Joined: Oct 24, 2005
    Posts: 898

    flathead4d
    Member

    Check with the guys on the fordbarn.com web site.
     
  3. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,404

    alchemy
    Member

    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.
     
  4. KJSR
    Joined: Mar 7, 2008
    Posts: 2,494

    KJSR
    Member
    from Utah
    1. Utah HAMBers

    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.
     

  5. Goodguy65
    Joined: Apr 24, 2017
    Posts: 46

    Goodguy65

    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.
     
  6. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 12,286

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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?
     
    alanp561 likes this.
  7. woodiewagon46
    Joined: Mar 14, 2013
    Posts: 2,269

    woodiewagon46
    Member
    from New York

    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.
     
  8. Goodguy65
    Joined: Apr 24, 2017
    Posts: 46

    Goodguy65

    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
     
    Bandit Billy likes this.
  9. Goodguy65
    Joined: Apr 24, 2017
    Posts: 46

    Goodguy65

    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...
     
  10. rusty valley
    Joined: Oct 25, 2014
    Posts: 3,883

    rusty valley
    Member

    couldnt go far, have you pulled off the tin windage things that clip on the main oil line?
     
    Boden likes this.
  11. Goodguy65
    Joined: Apr 24, 2017
    Posts: 46

    Goodguy65

    I have not pulled them off but did run a tool under each side of them..nothing.
     
  12. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,404

    alchemy
    Member

    Through a casting oil drainback hole and hung up on top of the cam?
     
  13. Goodguy65
    Joined: Apr 24, 2017
    Posts: 46

    Goodguy65

    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.
     
  14. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,404

    alchemy
    Member

    Covered with oil in the pan?
     
  15. Goodguy65
    Joined: Apr 24, 2017
    Posts: 46

    Goodguy65

    remarkably the pan is quite clean so no....minimal amount of sludge for a non filtered flatty..
     
  16. sawbuck
    Joined: Oct 14, 2006
    Posts: 1,909

    sawbuck
    Member
    from 06492 ct

    maybe it never fell in the hole ....just a thought ....after taking it all apart my luck it would be on the floor
     
    chiro, jimmysweden, clem and 3 others like this.
  17. koolbeans
    Joined: Apr 12, 2015
    Posts: 633

    koolbeans
    Member

    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
     
    Boden and whtbaron like this.
  18. Slopok
    Joined: Jan 30, 2012
    Posts: 2,919

    Slopok
    Member

    I once looked everywhere all day long, when I took off my pants that night it fell out of my cuff!:rolleyes:
     
  19. I would also recommend a See Snake before taking everything apart.
     
  20. Goodguy65
    Joined: Apr 24, 2017
    Posts: 46

    Goodguy65

    was thinking of that actually..I might just buy one that hooks to your cell phone...
     
  21. razoo lew
    Joined: Apr 11, 2017
    Posts: 536

    razoo lew
    Member
    from Calgary

    There’s gotta be a hundred possible responses to this.
     
    Jibs, koolbeans and Slopok like this.
  22. Slopok
    Joined: Jan 30, 2012
    Posts: 2,919

    Slopok
    Member

    Oh no, look where this is headed, BLUSHU just said See Snake!:eek:
     
  23. Goodguy65
    Joined: Apr 24, 2017
    Posts: 46

    Goodguy65

    I soon as I saw "colonoscopy in miniature" I was out.
     
    belair likes this.
  24. seb fontana
    Joined: Sep 1, 2005
    Posts: 8,442

    seb fontana
    Member
    from ct

    I bought a borescope self contained out of HF. $80.
     
    lothiandon1940 and belair like this.
  25. 6sally6
    Joined: Feb 16, 2014
    Posts: 2,459

    6sally6
    Member

    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
     
  26. How about using compressed air from a few different directions to try and knock it loose?
    Might be kinda messy, but....
     
    jimmysweden likes this.
  27. Johnboy34
    Joined: Jul 12, 2011
    Posts: 1,588

    Johnboy34
    Member
    from Seattle,Wa

    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
     
  28. Goodguy65
    Joined: Apr 24, 2017
    Posts: 46

    Goodguy65

    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
     
    jmkporsche likes this.
  29. 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
     
  30. Rckt98
    Joined: Jun 7, 2005
    Posts: 1,132

    Rckt98
    Member

    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.
     

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