How to get a bolt out.....

[jlsparky7]

I was changing the thermostat in my ex when I lost my grip on the bottom bolt and it fell into the back of the water pump pulley. Should I try and get it out or just wait till it falls out? I had a spare that I was able to make work. Would one of those telescoping magnets work?

 

[Andy96XLT]

thats probably your best bet (the magnet) generally its not a good idea to leave anything in or around your engine that isn't supposed to be there ha.

 

[eXcali]

I have both a lighted magnet recovery tool and the old standard 3 prong grabber. The lighted magnet was like $7 at autozone and has more than paid for it's self.

 

[aldive]

By all means try to get it out.

Good luck .....

 

[eXcali]

I forgot to say to try your best to get that out of there. You don't want that falling into your belts and tearing them up. Or worst case scenerio bouncing into a spot where it can bind up your steering.

 

[parad1mg]

magnets from an old cd-rom's are plenty powerful imo.. i tied one to a wire hanger when the back bolt of the upper intake just decided to fall right underneath the firewall and on top of the tranny where i cannot reach it.. the magnet was so small and paired with a felxible hanger got the bolt out with no sweat..

 

[BrooklynBay]

This link has some information that might help prevent this from happening in the future: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164176

 

[jlsparky7]

Thanks everyone for the quick replys. I have a buddy getting a telescoping magnet tool from his work tomorrow. I should be able to get it out with that.

Definitely investing in a magnet.

 

[jlsparky7]

This link has some information that might help prevent this from happening in the future: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164176

Thats an awesome idea!

Problem was I had to start the bolt by hand and dropped it that way