I've already posted this on ClubGP, but I figured I could use all the help I can get on this one. Just like Corporate America, I have grossly mismanaged something and I need YOU to bail me out. Here goes:

I replaced my valve cover gaskets today (and grommets) and have reassembled everything.....or so I thought. After all is said and done I still have something left over. Judging by its size, I'd imagine that its pretty important. The problem is that for the LIFE of me I cannot figure out where the ***ing thing goes. I have checked, double checked, disassembled, reassembled, disassembled again, and yet I STILL cannot figure out where this damn thing goes. Here's a pic or two:



Note on this one the MFc 9.8 or whatever. I understand these markings are probably pretty common. This is no strange concept to me. I'm merely posting SOMETHING that might distinguish this bolt from every other bolt on the damn engine.

Here's the rest of the bolt:



Note the bulge at the start of the shaft (you read it right) and the smooth tip.


I know I'm not the only one to have done this (I hope), so someone PLEASE help me figure out where this stupid bolt goes. I know that its not for the alternator and that I have all three of the correct (see: all same length) bolts installed on the tensioner. I also know that its not for anything on the engine mounts. Its too short. Other than that, I'm f*c*i*g lost.

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i want to say bottom alt bracket

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i dunno about 97-03's, but it looks like one of the bolts that holds on the TB.

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I don't know about the 97-03, but I'm guessing it belongs to some part of the motor mounts- the metal parts that connect to the engine.

I'd reassemble the whole thing, but off the car and place all the screws where they should be and check if your missing any.

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Why have more money than brains? Cuz RACE CAR :

The guys at ClubGP helped me figure it out.

This explanation might be a wee bit confusing, so try to keep up, LOL.

The "extra" bolt I had was actually the bolt for the front of the alternator.

The bolt that I had in the front of the alternator was actually for the cutout portion at the rear of the alternator.

The bolt I had in the back of the alternator was actually for the passenger side of the engine support bracket, which I thought I had lost.

It only took about 2 hours to sort out, but we figured it out. Thanks for the help, guys.

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glad you got it sorted out!

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i knew it was for the alt ....

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Glad you got the problem resolved!

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Why have more money than brains? Cuz RACE CAR :