question on head parts

[wired]

When I pulled the head to drain the antifreeze from a cylinder. I had rattle in the head. The problem turned out to be a loose rod in the head. The rod was 1/4 inch diameter and about 7 1/4 inches long. Can anyone tell me what this rod might be.

[Bob McCarty]

If in the water jacket, likely a remnant from casting.

[smallfarm]

I’m no expert and haven’t been in that many Farmall tractors, but could someone have tossed in a sacrificial anode?

[ricky racer]

Can you post a picture?

[tst]

normally a piece of the castings, not that unusual

[Bill V in Md]

Check out this post:
https://www.farmallcub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5630&p=33842&hilit=Casting+Wires#p33842

[dgrapes59]

Interesting information. I've been working on my 1949 KB-2 pickup truck. I pulled the thermostat out and noticed a loose, thin rod inside the cavity. I was wondering what it might be. Looks like I have found the answer in this thread. It's been fun finding the similarities with the truck and Cubs, the engine even has a lot of "dot" bolts! When I started it for the first time in 20 years I was concerned about having oil pressure. The sending unit appeared to be bad so I had an extra gauge from a Cub, screwed right in! Fired up, good pressure!
Sorry for getting off subject here.

[wired]

Thanks for the help. I didn't want to leave something out that was needed.