Motorheads - 351C question. Help!

[Mead]

What does the hole between the middle two intake ports on the heads do? Where does it go?

Here is a picture of the head,

The hole I'm talking about is just below and to the left of "C", the hole smaller than the ports.

I originally thought it was just a hole in the valve cover, so I spent a frustrating hour or so learning that it wasn't.

I may or may not have dropped a nut down one of them.....

 

[Mead]

Re: Motorheads - 351C question. Help!

Here's a real life picture:

 

[BobC]

Re: Motorheads - 351C question. Help!

heat crossover. heats the air fuel mixture for better cold start and operation until the engine warms up. It does this by redirecting a little exhaust through this passage.

 

[Mead]

Re: Motorheads - 351C question. Help!

Any suggestions for removing the nut?

Also, thanks a ton for the help...i've had no luck searching the internet. I was worried it had fallen somewhere more critical...

 

[Mead]

Re: Motorheads - 351C question. Help!

And just to make sure, the hole I'm talking about is not covered by the intake manifold. I happened to drop a nut down there while removing a throttle spring...

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Motorheads - 351C question. Help!

Find it. Get it out.
This port goes right into the exhaust port. It may get blown out and into the exhaust or it may be siting on top of an exhaust valve just ready to get caught under the seat and hold the valve open allowing the piston to smack the valve and you will be tearing it apart again. Epoxy a magnet onto a coathanger and get to fishing.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Motorheads - 351C question. Help!

And don't let the motor turn until you get it out.

 

[Mead]

Re: Motorheads - 351C question. Help!

Haha. Wouldn't think of it. Thanks for the help

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Motorheads - 351C question. Help!

If you can't get it out by fishing, you will have to remove the head and do the shaky shake to get your nut.
If you use thin nonbreakable wire like Safety Wire, NOT the crap you get at Auto Zone, it ain't safety wire, it's crap, you can tape a magnet after you wind the wire around it make sure the magnet is only 1/4" or so and push it into the hole s-l-o-w-l-y. You will feel the nut when the magnet grabs it, then you can very slowly pull it out.
You don't want to have to remove the head or any of the valve works to get this little bastard out

 

[sunburned]

Re: Motorheads - 351C question. Help!

Try suction from a shop vac. Empty it first so you hear/find the nut flyin' around.