Bolt fell in Timing Chain Housing 2002 | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models
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Bolt fell in Timing Chain Housing 2002

  • Thread starter Thread starter D'Miles
  • Start date Start date
D

D'Miles

Reaction score
5
Thunderbird Year
2002
Yes, We all make stupid mistakes!
While removing the RH Valve Cover, one of the bolts fell into the Timing Chain housing. I have taken a Bar Scope & telescoping magnet and probed the cavity and have not been able to find it.
I plan to remove the LH Valve Cover and probe the cavity from that side also ( I am doing a complete COP/ Spark Plug & Valve Cover Gasket replacement).
Before I start disassembling the Timing Chain Cover, is it possible that the screw has dropped into the oil pan through a return hole? This obviously would be a better route than the pain staking disassembly of the Timing Chain Cover.
Also does anyone have any other recommendations?
Thanks much appreciated!

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Before I start disassembling the Timing Chain Cover, is it possible that the screw has dropped into the oil pan through a return hole? This obviously would be a better route than the pain staking disassembly of the Timing Chain Cover.
I'm sorry for your misfortune but whatever you do don't turn the engine over until you find the screw. It's highly unlikely that the screw dropped in the oil pan through the return hole. You could either remove the oil pan or look inside the oil pan with your boro-scope in hopes that you will see the screw. This is an interference engine and if the screw causes the timing chains to jump time, the pistons will hit the valves causing major engine damage.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

Timing.jpg
 
Doug is correct (as always) and if the chain jumps time and a valve drops you will have major damage...
This is what I have for such joyful occassions - I know you said you've used what you have but this is the besr;
combo magnet, light, and, camera:
:

I would recommend patience and continued probing with something ike I show above and you may get lucky Be sure that the
lost item is where you state, I have searched for a lost screw that I was sure had fallen into an intake manifold, and eventually found it nestled in an odd crevice in the front suspension.
 
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