NEED HELP. *LOOK AT THIS PICTURE*

[9600]

So I started my car and let it run...just so it doesnt sit in the driveway. The transmission has been making a rattling noise ever since it started to go...and after it went. Today, i was looking under the hood..and i noticed a bolt rattling around beneth the starter...

Somehow, a bolt shot through what seems to be the spacer between the block and bell housing. Can SOMEONE tell how/what/ happened?! The bolt only sticks through the hole while the car is running. Im just worried this problem may be a bit more serious then a transmission.

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[Youds]

oh mspaint

[9600]

Does anyone know what the hell could of punctured that plate?

[schmooot]

that plate just keeps foreign materials from the flywheel, not a huge deal if there is a little hole in it but it should be covered. The bolt probably came from the manifold heat shield, they quite often come loose. I wouldn't worry about it