[NZD54]

Hey everyone,

So while re-installing my chargepipe today to ensure everything is secured properly, I ended up dropping a spanner down the front of the engine bay (behind the numberplate). Not sure what the part is called but it fell through the thin gap behind the intercooler, while I was playing around with a clamp on the chargepipe in a tight spot.

I saw it hit the bottom tray and then heard it slide backwards. I fished around with a magnetic tool, but wasn't able to find it.

My idea is to turn the car on, drive slowly forwards onto a downward slope, and then hit the brakes hard so that it slides back to the front where I can remove it.

Failing that my next choice would be to drive it to a nearby mechanic to get them to remove the bottom tray as I don't have ramps or a jack.

My question is whether I'm likely to damage anything by turning on the engine and driving the car? I have no idea of what the bottom of the engine bay looks like and my concern is that it could get caught up in something and cause damage to the engine.

If I can't get it out myself is it safe to drive to the workshop?

[relative4]

It is safe to drive to the auto parts store for a pair of ramps.

[Yam_440i]

Could you not just take off the under belly plastic??

[NZD54]

Originally Posted by Yam_335i

Could you not just take off the under belly plastic??

Car is lowered and it isn't on flat ground, so I would need to drive it first to somewhere I can jack it... If it's safe to drive in the meantime that should solve the issue as I'll be able to move it

[macheff03]

You ought to get some ramps so you can get under the car

I think it's safe to do that but I wouldn't go much further than that

[NZD54]

Originally Posted by macheff03

You ought to get some ramps so you can get under the car

I think it's safe to do that but I wouldn't go much further than that

Yeah completely agree, I'll buy some ASAP.

[macheff03]

Originally Posted by NZD54

Yeah completely agree, I'll buy some ASAP.

If you don't feel good driving it - order some or get a ride to the parts store

[NZD54]

Originally Posted by macheff03

If you don't feel good driving it - order some or get a ride to the parts store

Appreciate the input. The real issue is more that even if I had some, I would need to drive the car to get it to flat ground where I can work on it. Currently, it's reverse parked on a sloped driveway - I tried pushing it in neutral but was unable to.

If anyone is able to provide a somewhat definitive answer on whether it's safe to drive for a short distance that would be greatly appreciated. Had a look at a video where they removed the undertray and it doesn't look like there's much it could get tangled up in.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by NZD54

Appreciate the input. The real issue is more that even if I had some, I would need to drive the car to get it to flat ground where I can work on it. Currently, it's reverse parked on a sloped driveway - I tried pushing it in neutral but was unable to.

If anyone is able to provide a somewhat definitive answer on whether it's safe to drive for a short distance that would be greatly appreciated. Had a look at a video where they removed the undertray and it doesn't look like there's much it could get tangled up in.

What's your definition of spanner.

I've dropped plenty of sockets and just said F that and left it there. I also dropped a magnetic bit holder as well.

I don't see what bad can happen especially if you heard it hit the bottom.

[NZD54]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

What's your definition of spanner.

I've dropped plenty of sockets and just said F that and left it there. I also dropped a magnetic bit holder as well.

I don't see what bad can happen especially if you heard it hit the bottom.

One of these. Pretty thin and light about 6" long.

[type-dRew]

Dropped a ratchet wrench in my engine bay doing pcv install. Tried to find and couldn't, found it a couple months later in my lower cooling fan shroud during intercooler install.

[e90yyc]

If you saw/heard it hit the belly pan, my guess is that aren’t at real risk of mulching anything.

Safest bet would be to use a jack to lift the front end up and see if it slides out.

I once dropped my phone into my engine bay while using it as a flashlight. I was about 45 minutes from home. In that case I was more worried about my phone than my car.

[robthewrench]

I dropped a small flat gasket scraper tool onto the belly pan and didn't get it out for like 4 months. No worries.

[Yam_440i]

I once dropped a iPhone 7+ when using it as a flash light. I could see it at the bottom. I stuck some glue on a long metal coat hanger, stuck it to the phone, and fished it out. Would not have feel comfortable driving the car to be honest.

[relative4]

Reverse parked on a driveway is perfect for ramps. Better than flat ground. That's how I do most of my oil changes.
You can leave half your toolbox in the belly pan, and it won't harm anything. You'd have to build up a 6" layer of tool sediment before worrying about touching a half-shaft or belt. And then the miracle of noise would advise you of the situation.
It would be a good idea to get under the car, familiarize yourself with everything, and start studying the relevant automotive concepts before wrenching away in there.
Case in point, I just read a thread where a noob tried a minor job like a charge pipe or something and loosened a refrigerant connection.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by relative4

It would be a good idea to get under the car, familiarize yourself with everything, and start studying the relevant automotive concepts before wrenching away in there.
Case in point, I just read a thread where a noob tried a minor job like a charge pipe or something and loosened a refrigerant connection.

Yeah but that's how you learn.

[relative4]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Yeah but that's how you learn.

Reviewing some of your other posts, I suspect/worry you may not be joking.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by relative4

Reviewing some of your other posts, I suspect/worry you may not be joking.

Of course I'm not.

You can only learn so much from theory and looking at things. Although I agree it is a very noob error to loosen a A/C line instead of the charge pipe (or the guy thought you had to move away since it was in theway) he learned and won't ever make that mistake again, that's primitive human nature.

Theory is a lot different than practice. Once again, I learned that the "hard way" you could say, just like the guy with the A/C line. And when you're a DIYer and young you haven't had the chance to try or get a lot of experience.

You're gonna make mistakes somewhere eventually with just theory.

[macheff03]

Originally Posted by NZD54

Appreciate the input. The real issue is more that even if I had some, I would need to drive the car to get it to flat ground where I can work on it. Currently, it's reverse parked on a sloped driveway - I tried pushing it in neutral but was unable to.

If anyone is able to provide a somewhat definitive answer on whether it's safe to drive for a short distance that would be greatly appreciated. Had a look at a video where they removed the undertray and it doesn't look like there's much it could get tangled up in.

Well that would be a problem- didn't think about that since I live in a relatively flat area

[lowrydr310]

I can't add anything useful to this discussion since all the previous posts already covered it with great advice.

I only wanted to add my personal story of dropping something in the engine bay. I was in Las Vegas on a 110 degree day, and after eating lunch we were headed on the long drive back to LA so I wanted to check my coolant level just to be safe (it was fine). I dropped the reservoir cap into the engine compartment! I fiddled around for a good 30 minutes looking for it until I gave up and decided to buy a new one. It was a Sunday so no dealership parts counters were open. I called several auto parts stores in the area and nobody had them in stock. My only option was to find the cap that I dropped, so I calmed down and took my time and eventually found it wedged in a very strange spot that I couldn't find earlier.

[relative4]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

You can only learn so much from theory and looking at things. Although I agree it is a very noob error to loosen a A/C line instead of the charge pipe (or the guy thought you had to move away since it was in theway) he learned and won't ever make that mistake again, that's primitive human nature.

Theory is a lot different than practice. Once again, I learned that the "hard way" you could say, just like the guy with the A/C line. And when you're a DIYer and young you haven't had the chance to try or get a lot of experience.

You're gonna make mistakes somewhere eventually with just theory.

And this is why there's an F in RTFM.

[Donutz]

Reach under the front of the car and tap the belly pan with your hand. Listen to hear if it's bouncing around. At least you'll know if it made it down that far. Like many others I've dropped sockets down there and said fnck it, Dude, let's go bowling.