help I dropped a valve cover screw in the oil drain hole

I was replacing the valve cover gasket and I put the gasket on the head and was pushing it down because I used some of that form a gasket stuff then was using the screw to line up the holes when I accidently dropped the screw in the head and I heard it go in the little oil drain in the bottom corner. What do I do ? I was going to try and find a big magnet and a see if that works. or the vaccum cleaner but the head wouldn't fit. I don't think it dropped all the way down but it would end up in the bottom of the oil pan in theory if it were to go all the way through right? I guess what I'm trying to ask is Is it freakin stuck or will it just drop down if I pour oil down the hole? any help appreciated.

You need a little $1.99 cent telescoping magnet to put into the hole or it might hang up on the head gasket passing that way or it might drop all the way down which is less dangerous but still not good.... BEcause if it drops through while the engine is running it could hit the crank and get shot through the side of the pan...

Get that dang thing and ease our minds about it...


FE
[addsig]

So the emergency is called off. I was able to run up to the .99 cent store and got a telescoping magnet type thing like you suggested and was able to fish that durn thing out of the hole. My heart dropped to my feet when I dropped that screw in my BRAND NEW ENGINE. lesson learned. Note to self : I will not try to line the holes up with the little screw.

So I just wanted to post the results tonight just in case anyone was lying awake in bed or frantically sitting on the edge of thier computer chair wondering about my loose screw...[img]/forums/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: norcal500 on 12/18/06 10:45am ]</font>

thanks for the suggestion FE !!!

Personally I use the valve cover studs. So much easier and the nuts, for the studs, are outside.

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On 2006-12-17 20:40, dacofa wrote:
Personally I use the valve cover studs. So much easier and the nuts, for the studs, are outside.
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I agree!!!
[addsig]

I'll switch to the valve cover studs to prevent that from happening again.

thanks again

Pioneer Products has valve cover studs fer cheep-