In the middle ofputting my 4.3L Vortec engine back together following a head gasket job.
With the intake manifold removed, you can see the camshaft through three oval holes under the balance shaft. I managed to drop a half-inch longbolt into one of these holes (the one closest to the rear of the engine).
I've tried probing the hole with a flexible magnet, but can't find the bolt.

My question is...what's below the camshaft? Is there a chance that the bolt dropped all the way tothe oil pan from that position?

Any suggestions for finding and removing the bolt?

Thanks for your help.

Steve
1996 S10 Blazer, 4.3L 4x4

 

i would not start that eng till you drop the pan to see if it fell all the way down the next thing below the cam is the crankshaft with the connecting rods and i would say it got stuck on that!!! you`ll be lucky as a pig in mud if it fell all the way down...I have to say good luk on this one...

 

The crankshaft is below the cam shaft. Hopefully you don't have to tear everything back apart to get to that bolt. But I agree, DO NOT attempt to even turn over the engine unless you know for sure that it isn't going to get bound up somewhere. A bolt will destroy a cam lobe if it gets trapped between the block and the cam even if you are spinning it over by hand.

 

Okay...definitely hear you about not turning it over until I find the bolt.

From reading my Haynes manual, sounds like dropping the oil pan is a pretty extensive job. Even says that you need to disconnect the engine mounts and lift the engine.

Is all of that really necessary? Is there an easier way?

Thanks,

Steve
1996 Blazer, 4.3L 4x4

 

nope no easier way... when ya find that bolt smack ya self lol

 

There is not sufficient clearance between the oil pan and the front axle. Lifting the engine or removing the front axle are your options. LOL

 

Thanks for the help. I'll let you know how it goes.

Steve
1996 Blazer, 4.3L 4x4