Ls1Envy

iTrader: (6)

I really don't want to drop the pan completely. Any idea on how i can get it out.

It sounded like it rolled all the way back. I tried a pen magnet but i couldn't get it far enough back.

1slow01Z71

iTrader: (36)

Keep trying with the pen magnet you CAN get it, its just not easy.

Stroker2112

Go to an auto parts store and get the magnet-pen ($2) that telescopes/extends....or just use a stronger magnet that pulls the bolt to the opening/top...

Stroker2112

Ls1Envy

iTrader: (6)

well the magnet i had is retractable like an antenna, so when i try to push it back it just sticks to things and pushes in on itself. Also there's a ledge in the pan where it gets deep at the back where a straight pen magnet cant reach.

LS1Formulation

iTrader: (13)

I'd epoxy it so it stays extended and maybe put a bend in it to reach where the pan drops off.

Ls1Envy

iTrader: (6)

If I could find a big enough magnet I could scrape it against the bottom of the pan and bring it to the drain plug opening and maybe fish it out from there.

Dan_the_C5_Man

If you have any old hard disk drives laying around, they contain very, very strong magnets you can pry out and use.

DaddySS

The larger mechanic's pick up magnets work great. I inadvertantly left the rags out and then dropped a cam retainer plate bolt right in. The mechanic's magnet grabbed it in about two minutes. Sears carries an assortment of sizes, get the one with the plastic sleeve around the magnet head.

bigpappasz28

thats what happend to me,i bought i magnet i think at napa thats aluminum and it bends to what ever shape,i just loosend all the screws to get it to drop as far down as it would go and got the bolt out

N4cer

iTrader: (11)

Pen magnet WILL get it. The bolt should be the only magnetic item in the pan.

JRracing

iTrader: (35)

Bummer, I have a 5 dallor tool that would reach it. Its a magnet on a flexable coil like tube. Its about 28" long. It can be found at any auto parts store or harbor freight.

And you may have to take out the rest of the oil pan bolts.

Ls1Envy

iTrader: (6)

Well Now the bolt it at the drain plug hole with the head of the bolt facing the hole. It's too big to come out of the hole.

Hugger

iTrader: (21)

I agree with Daddy SS. Go to Sears and buy one of the telescoping magnets that is rated to pick up 8lbs. I did the same thing you did and was able to get it with one of these. If you think it fell all the way to the back you can always get a very strong magnet and put it on the bottom of the pan and try to "pull" it forward until you can get it with a pen magnet. Good Luck!

Ls1Envy

iTrader: (6)

Is this what your talking about. Maybe I could insert at the top of the pan and rotate it down.

DaddySS

Exactly!
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

N4cer

iTrader: (11)

You'll get it. We not only dropped my bolt on my first cam swap, but we even dropped the stubby wrench once. Yup in the pan. Pen magnet got 'em. Just the plain cheap pen magnets. Didn't have to bother the oil pan bolts.

S99TA

if the cam is out you can take the intake off and the cover off the top of the block there is two holes one in the front and one in the back use a long magnet, stick it down and fish around too see if you can find it. it worked for me when one of my lifters dropped down in the pan i was able to get it out and put it back in from the bottom dint need to pull the head or pan. hope this helps

massls1guy

iTrader: (9)

n00b here... but you dropped the bolt from the front of the pan near the oil pump, right? I haven't done this upgrade yet so I don't understand all the details. how about if you put the front wheels on the ground and then jack up the rear of the car so the bolt will slide to the front... and use the pen magnet to get it out. sorry, maybe I just don't get it. good luck.

Ls1Envy

iTrader: (6)

Well my Dad came out once again and bailed me out. He taped then end of my broken magnet to a coat hanger and got it first try. Then proceeded to thread the bolt in with one hand in 2 seconds. If i ever do this again I'll shove a rag down there to catch the bolt if it drops.

Thanks for the help guys. Hope fully this thread helps someone else.

DaddySS

Excellent news, glad it worked out - those Dads come through sometimes, don't they?