Help, found this under SUV after coolant flush

templedentist · October 5, 2014

Let me start off saying I'm not a mechanic. In fact I changed my oil for the first time last weekend. I got a little braver and performed a cooling system flush by disconnecting the upper and lower radiator hoses and flushing with a garden hose before refilling up the system. I had trouble disconnecting the lower radiator hose, so I removed the bolts from the thermostat housing, removed the thermostat and flushed the system through the opening in the engine and also through the tubing leading back to the radiator and then flushing from the other ends. The problem is after I finished I noticed this (see pic) clip thing in the catch pan I was draining into. What is it and where does it go???

j-ten-ner · October 5, 2014

It's a retaining clip of some sort.

Check all the electrical and/or hose quick connectors in the area you were working at.

so long

j-ten-ner

CapitalTruck · October 5, 2014

Wouldn't surprise me if the coolant temperature sensor isn't located somewhere near that thermostat you were fooling with. Could be off of that electrical connection.

&CDFiXER% · October 5, 2014

Looks more like a hanger from a tool?

templedentist · October 6, 2014

I'll check the electrical connections to see if there are any other connection areas with this type of clip. I agree with CDFiXER, it does look mighty similar to a hanger from a tool. It was extremely clean when I found it. It was sitting in the radiator fluid for about an hour though.

PhilB · October 6, 2014

looks to me like the little clip off a hose nozzle that is used to keep the nozzle on.

&CDFiXER% · October 6, 2014

Good luck.

I once had 2 bolts left over after a 18+ hour reassembly of a metal punching/shearing machine head. Was not a happy camper. Until I moved my tool box and one of the wheels promptly fell off. (the 2 bolts were holding the wheel on...)