I was reinstalling my head after reaplacing my head gasket. All was well. Installed rods on 1-4 in same holes. Went to install rod in first hole of number 5 and it fell through. I can see it but can't grab it to pull back up. Tried a magnet but is seems wedged.

1. Why did this happen?
2. Am I going to have to take the head off to fix this.

See Pic!

I was able to get the rod out. When I tried to recreate the situation, I couldn't make it fall again. Must have been in there at the perfect angle to find the space to fall.

Makes me wonder if I am seating these properly. Here is what I'm doing. Dropping the rods in without a lot of precision. Placing the rods under the rocker. Screwing in the rockers finger tight.

When I'm done I will them all down.

Sound right?

Well, I have never been inside of a 4.0 so I am not the best person to answer that but yeah, you pretty much just drop them down there. Maybe wiggle them up and down to make sure it is seated fully?

I think you are right that it must have fallen at the perfect angle to get wedged