So the saga continues. As I was messing around with removing and changing out the oil pressure sensor in the back. My socket wrench exploded. A piece of the head came apart into 3 pieces. A very small rubber seal, the push button on top of the head, and a little 1/2 inch by 1/4 inch spring. I managed to gather the seal and the push button thingamajig, but the spring fell into the back of the valley pan onto the camshaft and down. I tried to fish it out with a magnet but it apparently has fallen pretty far down. Since there is no other choice, I poured some cheap oil to be sure it hits the oil pan below. Maybe when I drain it again, before first start, it will come to the drain plug and I can then fish it out with a magnet. Moral of the story is put the valley pan cover on before you fiddle with anything else. What is the chance of my socket wrench falling apart just then and there. Absolutely nuts. I need someone to say, "don't worry about it Tom, it reached the bottom of the pan and all is well".
2003 Tahoe coolant system leak or head gasket leak?
- Thread starter tomloans
- Start date
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rockola1971
Full Access Member
The oil drain plug has a magnet on it. It will catch the spring. Spring wont go past the screen on the oil pickup. You're good. FOH GET ABOUT IT!
It was so annoying. I know better to leave an opening like that. The one time I didn't stuff it with a towel, this happens. Thank you!
mattbta
Full Access Member
I was futzing with trying to figure out how to access a head bolt with the DS exhaust manifold already unbolted. My 15mm socket slipped out of my hand, right into one of the runners and down into the y-pipe. I didn't realize at the time that my non-rusted truck allows for easy removal of the y-pipe without breaking studs so I was in a bit of a panic not knowing what would happen with it rattling around. Ended up buying a couple different magnets on a stick and got it.
Shit happens.
Shit happens.
MassHoe04
Full Access Member
Dropping stuff in impossible places and spending an extra hour on the project trying to recover nuts and bolts.
You'd think we were related! I got some claw-like grabber tools and extending magnet wands from my Dad. Those get used a lot!
That is usually how my projects go! With the exception of anything being rust-free... I am in New England.
Only thing rust-free on my 04 are the rocker panels. The only reason they are not rusty, is that they don't exist at the moment... Remember, I am in New England.
Quick question. There is a plastic relatively long vacuum hose that connects to the front top of the intake manifold and connects in the back near the back of the engine. I cannot find this in the schematics. Does anyone have a part number for this. It is molded and plastic with connectors on the both sides. 
Found it... Part number...
GM 12578233
iamdub
Full Access Member
Spotless. No gasket material, dirt, etc. Yes, this part of the job is no fun. Don't use an angle grinder with buffing pads- you can gouge the surface and put waves in it.
Spotless. No gasket material, dirt, etc. Yes, this part of the job is no fun. Don't use an angle grinder with buffing pads- you can gouge the su
I was afraid you were going to say that. This is turning out to be a big job. But I am getting there.
