Dropped reference sensor bolt into ?

[Darrowby2297]

1984 Porsche 944 base model

I recently dropped both sensor bolts while trying to replace speed / reference sensor(s). One bolt fell down firewall and landed on ledge (not too difficult to find). Other bolt fell into flywheel housing, through the tiny hole next to sensors. If you did the same don't panic. I got scared when first researching how to remove bolt since people were talking about replacing clutch's and other nonsense. I bought a teslong scope from Amazon (approximately $130). Fishing around with magnets while not being able to see is maddening. I found my sensor bolt on a ledge on the front driver side of flywheel housing. While pulling it out after finally get a magnet attached to bolt, I dropped it again....Then even with the camera I couldn't find the bolt! I finally took off starter (very easy and fast removal) and peeked into crack to the right while facing front of car and saw the bolt laying on bottom of flywheel housing. Pushed magnet wire in about 6 inches and slowly pulled bolt out. A victorious moment indeed. Finding and removing these bolts takes some finesse and time. Don't freak out. Take a deep breath and start the search.

[Darrowby2297]

file:///Users/andrewrosenkranz/Pictures/Photos%20Library.photoslibrary/resources/derivatives/masters/C/C2F54491-A99E-4472-8E82-4C73274E7431_4_5005_c.jpeg

[wwdwgs]

hm. how do one prevent dropping these bolts? Can one use a magnetized socket to hold the bolt in or a tape around bolt's head?

[Darrowby2297]

I wrapped the head of the bolt in electrical tape, jammed it into socket, and then torqued down bolt. Once bolt was torqued down I was able to quite easily pull socket off bolt.