Bassoctopus

I was installing my CG carbon fibre spark plug cover the other day and, being my usual cackhanded self, dropped one of the allen bolts down the side of the engine.

It dropped between engine and heat shield, so unlikely to do any damage, but I can't see where it might have gone, as there is mostly just a large gap to the floor and the engine mount. Strange.

Any tips on getting the bolt out? I don't have axle stands or anything like that, just a trolley jack, so am not going to put my hand underneath.

I have already ordered a new bolt from Honda and tried moving the car down the drive a bit, to no avail. It's definitely not on my garage floor. I guess it'll just rattle out next time the car gets driven in spring?

Milo D

Stretchy screwdriver magnet thingy - technical term!

Bassoctopus

Where will I get such an item?

m1bjr

Maybe ended up on the subframe.
Not much point fishing with a mag tool or 'pickled onion' picker if you can't see it.

GrittyShaker

They sell them in Hellfrauds.

eho

I got my magnet pen from maplin.

Bassoctopus

As Honda are sending me a new bolt, is it worth me finding the old one, or shall I just leave it?

m1bjr

If its not near anything electrical like the starter, then IMO I would forget it.
Be careful if you go fishing, not to short anything out

gaddafi

I'd try and find it with the magnetic thingy (useful things to have in the garage and very cheap)

Otherwise it will prrobably fall onto the road at some point and puncture some poor sod's tyre or worse still, smash their windscreen

I really don't think there's much chance of you shorting anything if you keep away from the starter

Mirror on a bendy stalk may also be useful

Jonsey will be able to advise on one of those

Ultra_Nexus

Safety tip - disconnect battery (negative). Takes 10 seconds and will guarantee your ability to not short anything