As I was pulling off the manifolds the other day, I pulled the manifolds off slowly. However, one on top the washer was stuck, due to it being a longer stud. I heard all the studs dropping, and kind of remember seeing it drop. But after picking up all the washers in all the hiding places, I come up missing one. My horrible thought was the top one falling, but hitting the left Dutra manifold, and bouncing back into one of the holes in the head by the studs. I put my finger in all the holes, and can feel the base of each valve with the exception of one that is down. And it happens to be in that location of where that nut would have dropped. As I feel into the hole of the valve that is down, I feel a gap in there. But it feels round. So my thinking is, the odds of this triangular washer getting into that first hole is pretty high. But the second hole seems somewhat impossible.

So anyone have any idea if a triangular washer could go down into the valve area, if it is open? I hope that made sense.

That's unlikely. I suppose it's possible if you've got a bunch of lift.
Check the usual places, like around the motor mount, and snoop around the K-frame. Gravity only works when there is nothing to redirect the dropped part. It may be tucked under something and not easy to see.
Sometimes they will take up residence under the starter, or stop to visit a block plug. I generally find them tucked somewhere around the motor mount though.
I have dropped things down into the exhaust a time or two. That's never fun.

CJ

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Magnet on a stick? Might work. Duct tape on a stick might work better. As long as you determine where the washer ISN'T, I suspect you'll sleep better at night.

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1965 Valiant wagon Turbo slant (work in progress)
2000 Chevy 155" cargo van - The Abductor
1970 Newport convertible
1996 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
1966 CruiseAire motor home
1990 Toyota 1 ton box truck TURBO slant (scraped)

I have that magnet, and tried it. I looked everywhere, including the pipes. I had the pipes cut under the car, since I am adding headers. I needed them out of the car. So even if it went into there, it would have came out, when I removed it. And I put that magnet down the pipe that was still hanging under the car. I have an idea I will try out later. But thanks.