I am working on the head gasket for my 1993 Cherokee. I removed the head and cleaned off all the old gasket. Placed on the new gasket and head. I used the original bolts because I was told they could be reused once (they were torqued to spec). While putting on the exhaust and intake manifold a part fell down a hole for the push rods. I have been trying to fish it out but have been unsuccessful. If I have to take the head off again do I have to replace the new gasket I just put on and the head bolts. Would like to know some opinions.

 

If you tightened the bolts at all you must use new gasket.

 

I suspected so

What about new bolts. They have now been torqued twice will I need to replace those as well

 

can't fish it out of there with one of those wands with a magnet on the end?
Yeah the gasket has to go. I'd change the bolts too.

 

This, or one of those spring-loaded "grabber" things with the little "fingers". What exactly fell down there?

 

I have not given up on the magnet yet. Toward the back of the head there is a little sensor for the intake/exhaust system. It is that little piece. It is metal and plastic.

Well thanks for the help.

 

That might be your temp sensor.