I was replacing the thermostat, and I dropped the lower housing bolt. It ended up behind and at the bottom of the water pump pulley. I don't know how to get it out, so if I leave it in there will it cause any problems? Or, any suggestions on how to remove it? I see there are four bolts in the pulley plus the center shaft. I thought about trying to loosen/remove the pulley but I'm not sure how to let up the belt tension. Thanks.
The belt tensioner is connected to the idler pulley below the power steering pump, you loosen the nut on the idler pulley then turn the adjuster until the belt will slip off.
Its stuck behind the pulley right? Have you tried taping a small/strong magnet to a coat hanger (so you can shape it). A normal mechanic's magnet might work, but you might need a little more curve to fish behind there.
It is not a good idea to run it with the bolt in there. If it jams and seizes it could really do a number on the pulley and your your belt path.
1. Loosen up the belt tensioner (behind the idler pulley)
2. Remove the belt
3. Remove those 4 bolts holder the water pump pulley. (You are going to need something like a crowbar, to stop the pulley from spinning when you loosen the bolts. Some people have success loosening the bolts while the belt is still attached, but last time I tried that I almost damaged the belt)
4. Put it all back together. Don't drop any bolts this time
