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rockhillmanor's avatar
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
May 06, 2013

Bolt snapped off but from where?? FOUND IT~ TKS#40FAN!

I'm just posting this in case the same thing happened to someone else and can say yup been there done that and this is what it is.

I was backing a friends MH down a very long road for him. I had started the approach moved up and turned the wheels and put it in reverse and heard a snap noise. First sounded like I ran something over but as I continued back I saw a bolt laying in front on the ground!

Where it is sheared off looks fresh so I can only assume it's from his MH. I have spent hours under neath the front of that MH and can not find where this bolt can be from. I thought maybe steering but can not find any opening where this bolt came from.

I continued to back it up, had to. Brakes work and the steering is still working. Albeit I did not full turn the wheels on the way back. But we both agree we shouldn't move it again until we find out where this came from!

Any ideas where there might be a 'not in full sight' place this came from?
E450, V10, 31ft not sure what year I think around 98.


50 Replies

  • That looks like a head bolt . It's hard to tell the size from the photo's. The washer on it is a non locker so the headbolt can be tourqed with little to no resistance. I have a stack of them in my shop from my old racecar days. Maybe you just ran over it and it popped and made a noise with the tire. I doubt it came off of your engine.
  • My vote goes to spring or frame member bolt. With a broken manifold bolt, I don't think you would hear it break and it would take a bit to fall out.
  • I'd go for exhaust/ manifold bolt as well. That thing looks like it's been really hot
  • If you don't find the location, take the bolt to a Ford Truck Dealership and ask around the service dept.
  • Roundtwo-40 wrote:
    X2 exhaust bolt V10's (mine included) have a bad habit of losing exhaust bolts (manifold in particular) They like to get progressively louder :)

    Thanks. Didn't look in that area. Back under the MH. Will get back.
  • Not sure where you heard the noise from - front or back. Looks like a long bolt 6" and 1/2" diameter. My WAG - This could be a spring hanger bolt or a leaf spring centering bolt. I would check the suspension, then the steering. If something that big comes out of the engine would be really noticable. Another WAG - might want to check the motor mounts - another possibility. JM2¢...
  • X2 exhaust bolt V10's (mine included) have a bad habit of losing exhaust bolts (manifold in particular) They like to get progressively louder :)
  • Lt46's avatar
    Lt46
    Explorer II
    My guess; looks to be a stud, I'd look at the exhaust, where the tailpipe joins the manifold, where the exhaust donut lives. Good luck.

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