I had the intake manifold off my car. I covered the distributor hole, but didn't cover the two samll holes on either side at the back of the engine. You can see where this is going. I accidentally dropped an intake manifold bolt into one of the holes. I could see it in the distributor hole and so I tried to fish it ut with my magnet. It caught on something and the communist ****** fell down the hole. It sounded like it hit the bottom of the oil pan, which was empty. Is it possible that it is in the oil pan? I've never seen the inside of an engine. Just pictures. From the pictures I've looked at, it looks like it is a pretty clear shot own there. My next question is if it is in the oil pan, can I just leave it there, because it doesn't have a chance of coming up and hitting something, or will it damage something as soon as I start her up? See...stupid.

------------------
82 Camaro:350, Erson cam, ported heads,Comp Cams 1.6:1 rocker arms, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, Holley 600cfm, Crane Hi-6 ignition,
TH350 tranny with 2500 stall, Eibach Pro Kit, SLP 1 3/4" headers with 3" Flowmaster exhaust

 

i don't see this as a stupid question. obviously not covering all the holes wasn't the brightest thing to do, but as we all know that's just how working on cars go. it is likely that it's in the bottom of the oil pan and shouldn't hit anything, but at the cost of an engine you'd be better off pulling the oil pan off and getting it out. it's not too hard. drop the exhaust down from the manifolds and take the motor mounts loose. remove the transmission inspection cover. jack the engine up or lift it up with an engine hoist. with the engine lifted up, the oil pan will come out without too much work. well worth it to make sure that bolt isn't going to make you have to pull the whole engine.