I was changing my oil pickup tube seal and dropped the bolt inside the oil pan. While trying to get it out with a magnet i think it went further into the pan. I really don't know where it is in the pan. Can anyone tell me what is the best way to get the bolt out without pulling the oil pan out?

 

Dremel tool a hole in the pan, then weld it back together.......I'm kind of serious and kind of kidding...because I hear its a bitch to take those pans off. A welder can weld that piece back on in 30 seconds if the car is on a lift.

Thats what I would do.

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But you should be able to use a strong magnet on the outside of the pan to find it and then slide it over to the oil drain hole. Will it fit through the oil drain hole?

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get a bigger magnet

 

Don't think it'll fit in the drain hole. I was thinking of the sensor hole though. How big of a magnet do I need?

 

As tiny diameter and long as you can find. Bonus if it's on a flexible shaft.