Hi. There I was, just making some periodic checks on my 79 4x4 20R


and I found a 3-1/2” bolt laying in the crash guard that protects the sump!!! I’ve done no major work or experienced any change in the truck’s “little voices” recently. Does anyone even know where this could have come from. (I mean off the engine, not pixies or outer space ) Obviously, I’m a little disconcerted! Thanks!

 

I would think it might have been one of the longer bolts that held on the AC compressor if it had it. Maybe a timing cover bolt 10mm bolt on the earlier covers. Other than that I don't recognize it.

 

Well, yes it does have a/c! I’m going to have to get under it tomorrow, and take off the crash guard so I can get a better look. Thx!

 

That’s probably from one of accessory belt tensioners. Alternator,Power steering if you have it, AC, smog.

 

Correctamundo! A/C belt tension pully adjuster! Once I took the crash plate off it was obvious - and not having run the a/c for a while the pulley hadn’t shifted and the belt hadn’t loosened up. Thank you for your contributions! Problem solved. Cheers!

 

Hope you put a few drops of LocTite Blue on those threads so it doesn't try to run away from you again.

 

No ‘blue’ on hand! I’m sure the lock washer and lock nut on the other side of the plate will do the job though!