The short story is that I'm completing a vacuum pump, belt, tensioner job this evening and I ran into some trouble. While inserting the last bolt for the vacuum pump (lower left from above and in front of the engine), I dropped the bolt and amazingly the bolt just disappeared.

I scoured the floor, removed the belt, and got my fingers impossibly greasy probing around. The only alternative is that the bolt dropped into the gap between the crankshaft pulley and the engine block. Any ideas on how I can retrieve this bolt?

Thanks for the help.

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1987 300SDL-268k mi

Magnet on a stick?

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Most auto parts stores sell a small tool, about as long as a pencil, but about half as round, with a flat end magnet on the end. It is great for probing around in close quarters, this should allow you to check in that area to see if anything shows up. Good luck..

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96 E300d

Thanks for info. I guess I will buy another smaller magnetic grabber. Since I have a replacement bolt now, how likely is it that this lost bolt could cause serious harm to the pulley/balancer?

I will probably be finding out tonight and reporting back.

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1987 300SDL-268k mi