i was changing my themostat and i got everything out ok.
then i dropped a bolt right where you dont want it too go into the spot where the thermostat was supposed to be.
so what can i expect from this bolt being in there?

the truck is going to be parked
i am just wondering what the best way to get at this bolt

i have tried a magnet and have felt around in opening where it fell but, it seems to have gone in farther than i thought
will this clog the water jacket or what.

i am gonna try to get it out of there this weekend if that is at all possible.

any suggestions,comments?

 

Good chance its inside the passenger side headblocking the hole that goes down into the block. I dont think the bolt would make it all the way down into the blockdue to itssize and how small thepassage is in the headwhere it bendsto go down.My 96 has a washer attached to the bolts, no washer attached, could of gone down further.
Dont think it would roll into the waterpump ordrivers side head butif its not in thepassenger head, check those next. If you dont find it in those 3 spots, your screwed [:@]

 

have you tried the magnet on the flexible stick thats sold at parts stores ? i'd think that would work.
if it doesn't work, the next repair move would be to remove the intake, and that would be a good time to fix the plenum, even if its not broke yet.

 

I've done the magnet trick on bolts that have dropped down into tight spots, it works so give it a try. better than yanking apart the motor.

 

Yep, you gotta get better with the magnet, even get creative if you have to. I'm the clumsiest human alive, and the magnet/flexible clawhas saved me many times. Don't give up after aonly a few tries, think about how much time it will take for the alternative!

 

and go lightly with the magnet. one time i dropped a bolt one the belt and when i went to get it with the magnet i pushed a little harder then needed and instead of the bolt comming out it got stuck between the belt and the pully. That however, was easy to get out. If you get it stuck in the motor, your in for a long day. Good luck.

 

It might help to drain the coolant...just remember to drain the block using the two plugs on either side of the engine.

Good luck

 

thanks for all the info guys
and whats the best thermostat to go with
the 180 degreeor 195 degree ?

 

you stock thermo is 195, most go to a 180. 160 might be too cool; might throw codes.

"Magic Fingers" and a magnet is an excellent idea to get at that bolt.

File off the "front" label on your thermoclamp, it helpsto keep the hose from catchingon reinsertion and jiggling the bolts around and out so you might not have to do this again. Alsosomething sticky likeDuct Tape jammed up into the driver extension helped me get the second bolt in easier when is slipped out.

those were both excellent tips from this article:

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/tstat.php