Lost engine cover hex bolt help me!!!!
 

I painted my engine cover on my 6th gen camaro v6. As I was putting it back on and inserted the hex screw to tighten it when I pulled the screwdriver out it was magnetized and the screw came out with it and dropped!!! I heard it go down to the bottom of the engine but didn’t hit the floor! I shined lights all over below the engine and can’t find it!!!! Does anyone know the hex screw size so I can can purchase another one?? I’m furious about it and at myself!!!

Take another one out and have the dealership match it up if you want an exact match. I have a V8, never had the cover off but I'm guessing it's a 1/4 x 20 screw but it could be smaller.

Or go to the hardware store fastener section and match it yourself. I suspect this is metric and not SAE.

When I said exact match I meant with a hex head it doesn't have to be a hex head. Yea its most likely metric. Its a GM.

I’ve dropped a few items in the engine bay over the years. I was always able to find them by jacking the car up and removing the front tire on the side I dropped the item. I didn’t want the lost items to find their way into something that they could damage.

Good idea! Easier than removing the skid plate.

Ugh! I could kill myself right now! Well I found another bolt that works but needs to be longer. At least I have something to work with to match it. My son felt all over down inside as I shined a light down and underneath. Either I have to remove a tire or trust it falls out in time. Grrrrrrr!!

Have you tried fishing around with a magnet....I feel for you, nothing worse than dropping a bolt in the engine bay.

That was a thought. But I think unless it can go underneath a part it won’t reach it. My son reached his hands and fingers all over where we though it could go and then some. Luckily I heard the bolt trickle down as it fell lower but didn’t come out. I am always paranoid about something like that happening and of course it had to happen to me! Lol

Rule #...15??? Lol! Growing up my father would say don’t drop anything in an engine bay and if you do you better freakin find it!!!

if your 2016 had a hex bolt, then it sounds like someone already replaced it with a new bolt at one point because the factory bolt should be rounded top with torx bit driver needed.

Time to repeat the cycle.