Bolt dropped into distributer hole???

[fast6]

While removing the distributer, a bolt about 1/2 in long fell into the distributer hole. This was not from the engine but must have been left behind from the previuos motor swap. As soon as I pulled out the dis. it fell in.
Wondering how far it will get and where is the best place to get it out.
Will it make it to the oil pan or will I only be able to fish it out the hole it went in?
I can't hear it moving when I put a screwdriver down and move around a little.
How much room is down there where the dis. gear and oil pump drive are?

[blabhern]

The problem you have is the oil pump is located just below the distributor hole. You'll have to pull the oil pan then remove the oil pump.

Good luck

[fast6]

you don't think I could fish it out the Dis. hole with a magnet?

[blabhern]

I don't think so but who knows, maybe you're luckier that I am.

[Kevcules]

Oh No!

That's my worst nightmare when taking out the distributor shaft. Luckily it hasn't happened to me yet.
You should be able to fish it out with a magnet, definitely give it a try. Try to shine a light down there to see it. I don't think it can make it to the oil pan, I can't remember.
Good luck

[70camaro]

HeHe. That happened to me too! Really pisses ya off huh!?! I doubt you will be able to get it out the dist. hole, unless you can see it down there. Depending on how the bolt bounced it could be in the lifter valley or in the oil pan. Did you hear it drop? If it went "tink-tink-tunk" it probably ended up in the oilpan. (the oil dulling the last tap) (and yes, that IS the tecnical term, haha.) If it went "tink-tink-tink" it's probably somewhere else. Of course that's assuming you had oil in the pan.
I was really frustrated when I did that. I really didn't want to tear the whole thing apart since I just put it in there! Well, I left it! Pretty scarry huh? I have a crossmember that goes under the oilpan so I couln't drop the pan either... So, I took one of those magnet-pen things that extend (another tecnical term) and was able to fish it out the drain hole! After about three days of trying, and two oil changes! If it's not too big a hassel I'd drop the pan, then pull the intake. If its not in either of those places I'd say your S.O.L., sorry.

[fast6]

Well I got it out!!!!
Found it by going in the bottom end and looking around. What a relief.
Thanks guys.