After closer inspection of the bolt in the OP, it could certainly be a rocker bolt. Especially since it looks like the bolt is NOT threaded all the way to the head. If I were a betting man, I'd guess that someone droped one of the rocker bolts while changing out the valve followers, then crossed his fingers. When I changed mine I was worried about doing just that so I put a rag in all the open passages.

Hopefully the worst is behide him.





Bob-

 

I agree, doesn't look like the VC bolts. Doesn't look to be fully threaded and looks black not gold.

Need any other work done like spark plugs, clutch, plug wires? This would be a good time to drop the engine so you can easily remove & inspect under all the valve covers to see if anything's missing.

But again, first gotta figure out what this bolt is.

 

It may be a water pump bolt.


Andreas

 

What about cylinder head bolts? Some are M8x30.

 

My guess is rocker bolt. If it came loose during operation I would think it would be an exhaust, but I don't think it would clear the valve cover. At least the exhaust covers are easy to remove and check, that would be a minimum, boroscope would be best.

Does the wrench still have your old filters? Might try to cut open the filters and get a sample of oil from inside the filter to send off for analysis for other metal types found (they can normally tell case metal vs rod bearing metal particles vs cam metal etc...). It may let you know if other problems are coming your way.

Best of luck, hopefully it was just an old bolt from a different drain pan.

 

That is crazy, you are very very lucky!

 

There appear to be 15 threads on the bolt with the top 1/8" not being threaded. I also does not look plated. Valve cover bolts have many more threads.

 

Had to come through an oil return tube when the lower valve cover was off. I'm still amazed it didn't get caught up in something causing major damage.

 

Surely, the first person who fired it up heard that sucker rattling around before the magnet got it. Must've sounded like a marble being shook in an empty beer can!

 

Wow, you guys are all over this. I couldn't have gotten more responses if I'd posted a naked picture of Megan Fox.

Thanks to Andreas, the mystery has been solved, the bolt is indeed from the water pump. I distinctly remember dropping a bolt into the engine when I replaced my water pump last year.

Seriously though, thanks for all the input, based on your replies it does seem like it's a rocker bolt.

The shop owner is a buddy of mine so I'm pretty sure he's not pulling my leg.

Will have the shop remove the valve covers to check it out. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

Wow [edit: Wow used too much - "Golly"]....that would make me wonder what else is inside the shark's belly....

 

Seems like the magnet did it's job & you got off very lucky! Congrats - I think...

 

just visiting and stopped to read this thread, agreed! so much for saying they serve little purpose with modern engines! i just ordered one!

 

Try us.


Andreas

 

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