Removed a bolt on my engine that I didn't need to, did it hold anything important?

[Pyral]

I'm doing the waterpump on my 3rz and I removed 2 or 3 bolts that I thought I needed to but didn't. I completely removed the bolt near the base of the dipstick tube.

I also loosened the nuts above the water pump (if we're going by shape, the one above the head and balls). I circled them in this diagram.

I didn't remove something holding a part in place inside the engine did I?

Also one of the long bolts that holds the water pump was heavily rusted because coolant went down it, how should I clean out the threads?

 

[2TH4IST]

I don't have a 3rz, but you should be fine as I suspect they are just the timing chain cover bolts. I know someone else will chime in but I'm guessing they will be 14-15 ft-lbs for torque.

As for removing rust from threads, use a thread cleaner tap. They don't cut threads like a normal tap does. Or a bore brush a bit bigger then the bolt, use with a drill, then blow out.

 

[AuSeeker]

I'm doing the waterpump on my 3rz and I removed 2 or 3 bolts that I thought I needed to but didn't. I completely removed the bolt near the base of the dipstick tube.

I also loosened the nuts above the water pump (if we're going by shape, the one above the head and balls). I circled them in this diagram.

I didn't remove something holding a part in place inside the engine did I?

Also one of the long bolts that holds the water pump was heavily rusted because coolant went down it, how should I clean out the threads?

I don't have a 3rz, but you should be fine as I suspect they are just the timing chain cover bolts. I know someone else will chime in but I'm guessing they will be 14-15 ft-lbs for torque.

As for removing rust from threads, use a thread cleaner tap. They don't cut threads like a normal tap does. Or a bore brush a bit bigger then the bolt, use with a drill, then blow out.

Since you asked about removing rust from the threads of a "bolt" and not the thread of a bolt hole, you will need a "die" not a "tap" to clean the threads, you could probably clean them with a good stiff wire brush and some elbow grease but the die will do a better job, if you use a die to do the job, turn it a full turn or two onto the threads as if you're tightening a nut and then at least a 1/2 to full reverse turn to let the rust and debris fall out of the die and threads, rinse and repeat until you get all the threads clean.

 

[Pyral]

The sealing surface on my block for the water pump isn’t very smooth, I think I have to use a small amount of RTV. What kind of RTV should I use to stop the imperfections from leaking?

 

[2TH4IST]

Can you get the surface smoother, by scraping or is it damaged like gouged?

I've used this in the past with good success. Just don't put to much on.

Gasket Maker

Ultra grey

 

[LrndTheHardWay]

I went and bought a bench grinder and wire wheel just for cleaning up bolt threads