[Dragojazz]

Stupid.

So I'm trying to remove the EGR valve. Pop one bolt off (the left one) and it falls into the hole between the alternator and the EGR.

The look on my face said it all- I couldn't even cuss I was so pissed.

I can't see it. I think it might be unrecoverable. I can order another, but my question is-

Did it fall into a spot that will damage the engine if I start it? Do I absolutely have to recover that bolt? I think that might require the removal of quite a bit of things..

Any advice?

 

[chuckster57]

If the hole is access to the internal workings of the engine, then yes your headed for an adventure. If the "hole" is just a space between the engine and an accessory (Alt. Etc.) then your probably okay.

 

[Ford06]

Can you get an extendable magnet down in there?

 

[Dragojazz]

That's what I ended up doing. Went to Autozone- spent $10 bucks and 4 hours later while I'm on top of the engine- nothing.

This bolt (BTW, sold at the dealer for $2.67) has vanished. There's a hole between the alternator and the EGR and it's basically on the top layer of the manifold. I've used that magnet in every spot I could get it through on that side of the engine.

I'm hoping that because it's on top- I don't absolutely have to recover. I don't see it "popping out" into something else. Wherever it is, it's buried pretty good.

I'm getting the ARP studs done in Feb/March- maybe they'll find it then =) What do you think guys? Because it's on top- fairly safe to crank it up?

 

[323flint]

I think Ull b fine there really no were it can go. Take it to the car wash see if u can spray it out. I've lost socket before

 

[FMTRVT]

It will be fine until someone pulls the intake manifold or oil cover. And if someone else is going to be doing that work you need to warn them.

The real problem is once you drive down the road the Dirty Harry question when those items come off the motor will be "Did it fall away when driving or can't I find it. Are you feeling lucky?".

 

[Dragojazz]

Thanks all! Took the plunge. We're good. =)

 

[Maryland dieselnick]

What did the plunge entail?

 

[Dragojazz]

It was pretty anti-climatic really. Bought a bolt at the dealership and threw it in and started it. =)

All while trying to find the reason for an intermittent dead pedal issue. Pops up a few times every 6 months. It's back to normal- can't quite figure it out, but the EGR is spotless. At least I got that much done.

If it happens again, we'll do the ICP. If it happens after that, the EBPS. Intermittent issues kinda suck.