Tools lost inside 4.0

[Explorin94]

I like MAKG's ideal with taking out the oil level sensor. You have a bigger hole to pull the bit out.

 

[mkpecor]

if i couldent get it out and new it was in the pan i would let it be. its not going to hert nothing. if you hit a bunp its not going to bounce up its in liqued. its going to stay at the bottom. roll around abit but thats it.

 

[Bent Bolt]

if i couldent get it out and new it was in the pan i would let it be. its not going to hert nothing. if you hit a bunp its not going to bounce up its in liqued. its going to stay at the bottom. roll around abit but thats it.

+ 1.

Lets see, I've lost a valve keeper down the oil drain back hole in 4.6L. Was boss's crown vic and it ran for years afterward.

I've lost a dowel pin from the front timing cover on a 3.8 into the oil pan.

Small rocks while pulling valve covers and many more.

If you're absolutely certain it fell into the pan, it won't hurt anything. Trust me.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

Was it the whole socket, or just the bit that is pressed into the socket?

Just the bit, It was a Mac one with the small allen set screw to hold it in.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

I'm pretty sure I heard it hit the pan.
Is there anything below that hole other than the crank that it could've landed on?

 

[MAKG]

The camshaft? If you aren't SURE it's in the pan, crank the engine around BY HAND a few times to make sure you aren't going to squeeze it between a crank counterweight and the block, for instance.

There is also the oil pump pickup and perhaps a windage tray.