Archived Uh OH!!???

[BIG C]

Went to put a new block heater in the 12 valve tonight. The little nut on the back side of the old heater plug fell down into the block. I fished for it with a magnet for about an hour. I give up. What can it hurt?? I dont see it being a big problem but I thought I would ask here before I fired it back up. What should I do????



Thanks!!



Chad

 

[DLausche]

I'm not an expert but I tend to agree it will not be a big issue to just leave it there.



-Deon

 

[Alphacowboy]

move around the pan with a big magnet then stick it to the bottom of the oil pan... . if its in there, it will stay there. But I am with Deon, I wouldnt be to worried.

 

[Joe Mc]

Chad,



The little nut is in the coolant system, yes? So worst case is, if it wasn't lodged somewhere and was light enough to be moved around by the flow of coolant - it might damage oil cooler, clog heater core, damage thermostat, water pump or go into the radiator??? My guess is it's too heavy to "float" around or be pushed somewhere by the flow of coolant to go anywhere. If it were mine I'd be darn pis*ed that it happened, try to get it and if unable to retreive it - I'd most likely say "_ it" and move on with my life. Of course from time to time I'd think about it and wonder how it's doing? But that's just me . . .

 

[barbwire]

Went to put a new block heater in the 12 valve tonight. The little nut on the back side of the old heater plug fell down into the block. I fished for it with a magnet for about an hour. I give up. What can it hurt?? I dont see it being a big problem but I thought I would ask here before I fired it back up. What should I do????



Thanks!!



Chad

It will just lay in there. Not to worry!

 

[SBurton]

Not to worry, I have driven freeze plugs into the cooling system with no problems at all.

 

[BIG C]

Just to clarify, yes, it is in the cooling system. Not the oil pan or lube system. I thought the worst it could do is maybe get caught in the thermostat. I think it would probably just sit at the bottom of the cylinder wall (on the outside of the cylinder) and not go anywhere. If you have a freeze plug in there with no problems I feel much better. Thanks for the help!!



Chad

 

[Mundgyver]

The little nut was probably brass and that would be why it won't come out with the magnet

 

[BIG C]

Now that I think about it I think your right. I thought I could feel it a few times but could never pick it up. I tried wedging it into one of the crevices between the cylinders so hopefully it wont move around. I think Im fine.

 

[redram3]

Big C If it really concerns you ,you could try one of those spring activated claws to retrive it . they have worked for me in the past . Good luck John:

 

[Grizzly]

Went to put a new block heater in the 12 valve tonight. The little nut on the back side of the old heater plug fell down into the block. I fished for it with a magnet for about an hour. I give up. What can it hurt?? I dont see it being a big problem but I thought I would ask here before I fired it back up. What should I do???? Thanks!! Chad

PM Joseph Donnelly in Albuquerque. He'll know.