I think I may have just made one of the studpidest and funniest mistakes ever. help

[The Unknown 7]

I'm in the middle of replacing my LIM gaskets, and right after I put the LIM back on and have three bolts in I drop a socket down one of the air intake holes. what should I do? lol

[tblake]

Automotive Magnet! Quick! Try and fish it out of there or you are pulling the head for sure.

[The Unknown 7]

so if I can't get it out what's next?

[brcidd]

It only takes a second or two to stuff a paper towel in each open cavity- no one ever makes this mistake a second time-But no one ever thinks of it until it happens once.....You have to have it out- or it could be crunch time-- if it fell in, it must be able to come out-- so I would fish with every magnet known to man till I got it out-- I don't care if it takes 2 hours....

[BNaylor]

Hopefully you should be able to fish it out. If not then remove the LIM next.

[The Unknown 7]

Yeah im about to go get the magnet, but what should I do if I can't get it out? valve cover maybe?

[Airjer_]

Valve cover will do you no good. The LIM will be first if it still can't be retrieved (doubtful) than the head will have to come off (very unlikely). There should be any reason why you can't fish a magnet through the runner and get it out.

[brcidd]

Be very happy what you dropped is ferrous-- and not aluminum....the plot thickens when that happens.....

thus the paper towels or rags....

[The Unknown 7]

could someone please get me instruction then on removing the head, i'm probably going to need them

[tblake]

cant get it huh?

What size socket was it? a small 7mm or 10mm I assume.

(dont do this just yet) Guys, could he remove the exhaust manifold and turn the motor over by hand to open the exhaust valve and try to fish it out that way?

I still wouldnt give up on the magnet. You can find a small automotive magnet on a stick at nost auto parts places. Try one of them if you havn't. Also yank that LIM off there again.

Pulling the head after removing the LIM consists of removing the exhaust manifolds and the head bolts. Dropping that socket inside may be Gods way of saying to replace your head gaskets at the same time. (BTW if you do remove the head, might as well replace both head gaskets, and doing so you will need exhaust gasktes and havee to replaced the head bolts. Might be a good time to start soaking the exhaust manifold studs in some Panther Piss (PB Blaster).

Good Luck!

[The Unknown 7]

thank jesus I got it with a magnet

[doctorhrdware]

Well at least you pulled your butt out of the fire. Glad to hear that you got the socket out of the air intake. Also thanks for letting us know you got it out.