Engines on the stand. Had it rotated so the head is pointed sideways to make the manifolds easier to install. Pretty nifty being able to actually see the bottom side nuts/studs.

While doing the one closest to the thermostat, I dropped the nut. I didn't actually see it go into the thermostat cavity but I think it most likely did. I couldn't see it... Took the waterpump off and tilted it one notch more on the stand and didn't hear or see anything fall.

You can see the drivers side of the block water passage and it's not there. I can fish around in the head and passenger side of the block with a flexible magnet pickup tool...

If I don't find it do you guys have any other ideas? Or should I just fuhgetaboutit and just run the beast? Figure it's no different then the scale buildup that accumulates in there over time.

I wouldn't waste too much time or worry on it, myself.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.