So I went to flush my radiator and wanted to get all the existing stuff out. I went to drain the block, checked my Haynes manual which showed the drain plug to make sure and backed out a bolt. Stupid me, I ended up backing out one of the main bearing side bolts. I heard a clunk in the oil pan as something dropped. Next I drained the oil pan and fished the object to the drain hole hoping to get it out, but I can't. Its a cylinder shape, with one end machined smaller and that end squared. It also has a hole in the middle of it, but not down length-wise, just the middle. I talked to my buddy who used to be a mechanic on imports and he said it is probably a dowel or spacer and not really something to worry about. I am coming to you guys for your opinions and hopefully some insight as to what this thing is and if I will end up damaging my truck. Thanks

 

What the *#$* would someone who worked on imports know about a Ford 5.4 modular engine?

You backed out one of the main cap bolts and in the process the cylinder shaped main cap dowel dropped off.

I wouldn't start the engine till it's fixed. Ford says do not use the bolt again, so you'll need a new one. There's several different types, so you'll need to take it with you.

The Ford dealer with the largest parts inventory in your area is Serramonte Ford in Colma.

 

You backed out one of the main cap bolts and when you did, the cylindrical shaped main cap dowel dropped off.

Do not run the engine till it's fixed!

Ford sez the bolt cannot be reused, so you'll need a new one, there are several different types, so take the old one with you.

The Ford dealer closest to you that has the largest parts inventory is Serramonte Ford in Colma.

 

Thats what I was thinking. What do I need to do to fix it? I don't want to pull the engine, is there anyway to do it through the oil pan?

 

You will have to pull the oil pan to fix it.

 

I take it this is going to be a real pain to fix. How much trouble am I looking at here, whats the procedure and what happens if I don't fix it? That last question is just out of curiosity to help me better understand the function of the spacer/dowel, I fully intend to fix it.

 

I believe it is to take up space between the main cap and the block to make it more rigid.