Dropped screw into fuel injector hole?

Hi Logan,

I'm sorry, but that's not good news for your engine.

Do Not crank the engine any further.

If you know what cylinder the screw went into, you can remove the spark plug and see if you can get a borescope in there to see what kind of damage may be done. If it didn't run long, it's possible the screw made it out into the exhaust, which would be a good scenario if no piston/valve damage was done. Honestly, you'd be surprised what an engine can eat and still run for a long time.

If the screw made it out of the engine, you might be able to fish it out of the catalytic converter as it will probably be stuck there and possible damage the face of the catalyst if it doesn't get removed.

If the screw is still in the cylinder, you may get lucky and be able to fish it out with a magnet. Otherwise, the cylinder head may have to come off.

Aside from that, you can check the health of your cylinders by performing a cylinder leak down test after you have ensured the screw isn't in the cylinder any longer.

There is a possibility of the screw coming back out of that cylinder into the intake manifold and may travel to a different cylinder, so it's vital to find it.

Use caution removing the spark plugs on your 5.4. That's a whole other conversation.

Good luck and let us know if there's any way we can help.

Thanks,

Jason