Generation III External Engine - Help!!

im in the process of changing my spark plugs and while taking off the 10mm bolts on the air line, i dropped a bolt. i also lost a bolt to one of my coil packs. i cant find either anywhere and it is not on the ground. would it be safe to drive it without finding the bolt or would that be bad news? thanks!!

justin

p.s. i realize this may be a stupid question but i just was sure if it was safe to drive with lost bolts.

As long as you replace the needed bolts, you should be fine. Just make sure that they arent jammed somewhere to inhibit moving parts(like pulleys). The bolts are probably sitting on top of your k-member.

how will i retrieve them or will they just fall out somewhere down the road?

One missing bolt on the coil packs shouldn't be a problem. Use common sense and good judgement, if you believe it will stay attached you should be fine.

You could use this as an excuse to remove your AIR system. ;)

If you want to reconnect it to avoid a small exhaust leak just find any bolt that will fit through the hole and use a matching nut on the other side to tighten it. You have to come up with a random nut/bolt, is all...

It's OK to drive, but once you do they may fall out never to be seen again. The 10MM missing on the air might throw an AIR code cause it's not sealed - but won't hurt anything.

well i am definatley going to find new bolts to replace the old ones but i was just worried about driving around with loose bolts lying around somewhere in my engine bay. im wondering if that is going to cause any damage because i havent found where they are and i searched for an hour. thanks guys!

I think I only have the front ones in on my coil packs. so like 3 on each valve cover. the back ones suck.

Get a pen magnet and go fishing ... just stick the magnet down there ... wiggle it around till you hear a TINK ... then pull it up and see what you caught!

Or get under the car, and start running your fingers along the kmember ... you'll probably find one or both of the bolts.

kmember = tool shelf. :)

haha i will try both methods. if i cant find em though will it be dangerous to drive with them just floating around in there somewhere?

its the bermuda triangle :jest:

hahaha

as long as you didnt drop them in the intake port you will most likely be fine to drive. they will fall out of hiding and onto the roadway after the first mile or 2 you drive.