Dropped rocker cover bolt into sump.... sump off? oil change?

[Skiing]

Yes in a moment of total stupidity, while I was trying to replace the rocker cover studs I dropped one of the bolts down the oil channel in the far driver's side corner of the engine (8v gti) - this disappeared and I assume has dropped into the sump? - Do I just have to get the sump off and get at it that way, or will changing the oil make it fall out of the sump drain - or does it matter having it in there or will it get picked up by pump and kill my engine? Any help would be amazing as have to sort it by friday to drive home for the weekend...

[dubmaster77]

I fear I t would not have made it to the sump, Have you got a magnet on a stick??

[Mr Blue]

That wont make it down the sump.

I did this and it ran without problems but not reccomended

[Skiing]

oh bugger. it dropped a long way down - could it be pulled into the moving parts of the engine? If I do the magnet on a stick approach (will have to make one) will the bolt just be sitting at the bottom of this channel, or does it lead off somewhere else?

[nige_s]

You can buy magnets on flexi arms and telescopic arms, I've got one from Laser Tools (so dead cheap) can as a twin pack, magnet and a little grabber thing on 600mm flexi arm thing.

http://buy.maplin.co.uk/Free_UK_Delivery/Telescopic_Magnetic___Pick-Up_Tool_30608/Telescopic_Magnetic___Pick-Up_Tool_30608.htm


Good luck

[Skiing]

Thanks v much - I shall pick one up today and have a go...

[Skiing]

Right, tried to find this nut, but no joy - pushed the thin wire right down into the sump and didnt feel anything until I hit the sump (oil on the end and a good foot and a half deep if not more) - I assume it must have fallen all the way down - if this is the case, any ideas of how to get it out? will try first by draining the oil - do you think this will bring it out (perhaps using a a magnet on the outside of the sump to move it along?) if not I assume I will have to remove the sump... any ideas?!

[Conker]

I wouldn't have thought it would have fallen all the way to the sump, but if it has... Just a thought, if you jack up the front of the car as high as possible so the sump plug is pointing downwards, e.g. to the full height of your axle stands, then drain the oil, it might come out.

If it didn't, I would risk it and run the car anyway.

Or perhaps it will end up in the neck of the oil filter??!?!

[Skiing]

Hi, will try jacking it up so the drain is as low as possible and hopefully it will appear.... it is only a small bolt so hopefully it will come out..

[danny_p]

really not meant to say this but a 10mm  nut ratteling round in the sump isn't really going to do a lot. 

it can't exactly go up the oil pick up can it  so you be more than unlucky to see a problem from it if it's gone into the sump,   id get a magnetic drain plug and go for a drive that'll grab hold of it at some point