watchmakers problem - what screws are left over?

[tums]

96/3.8
because of a headgasket problem I made an overhaul on the waterpump, cooling, took down the heads, bumper, radiator and so on - finally everything is back in place and works - and there are three screws left, I have no idea where they should belong, I searched endless and could not see anything missing.
As I put everything in boxes when disassembling - yes, it is from that job.

It looks like they belong to one and the same thing, maybe a bracket? There are not many of that type used - anyone has an idea where to check?

[phil-l]

My first thought: They look like the kind of fasteners that are used to attach the cowling to the van (I'm presuming you removed the cowling to gain access to the top of the engine), or attach windshield wiper hardware to the cowling itself.

[northern piper]

I'm thinking the exact same thing. On my 2000 that's what they look like. I know that on the 2000 they're an 8mm head. Judging by the washer at the head of the fastener, I think it's safe to say that it held a plastic part. Most fasteners that hold metal to metal, that I've found anyway, have smaller washers if at all. I'd be checking around the cabin filter area, near the windshield washer motor etc.

[wiswind]

I have pictures posted in the pictures that the link in my signature takes you to that show the cowl removal.....maybe there is something shown in those that will guide you.

[tums]

Thanks for the replies - it is already a relieve that nobody tells me: they belong to the engine which shortly will fall apart ...

On assambly I was missing a srew/bolt from the lower mainfold, wondered for days, if I was so dump to let it drop into the engine - and finally found it together with the bolts of the head I was about to threw away - I wonder, how it managed to creep into that box ...

I also thought about the cowling but have no hole left - I will look there again. As they are rather clean outside (only "frosted") they should sit on a more or less protected place. For the plastic-parts: yes, I partly removed the container for windshield-washing as well as some parts behind the engine of the heating and venting.

Thanks for the link, I will check this - now I got to run.

[tums]

First one found!
dont wash your car to thoroughly - some dirt might help

leaves two

by the way, although that is another topic, the steering pump can be removed without pulling the pully.

Also by the way, wiswind, I agree that the windstar is despite some problems the best car I have had so far. 15 years, all the time in the open and still giving service to a big family - I have not really found a substitute - that is one reason for all the work.