I'm almost too embarassed to post this question.
I had to pull the gas cap out yesterday to replace a rotted and ripped outer rubber flange/seal thingy. Because I had been riding around with it that way for more than a year, the little tiny allen bolts that hold the ring in were a little seized with calcium or lime residue. (no rust) Anyhow, in the course of trying to work a tiny little allen key, on tiny little bolts, with big fat fingers, I dropped, not one, but two into the tank.
Should I just leave 'em, or pull the tank and get 'em? I have maybe a quarter tank of gas left.
You could try an extending magnet...
or just leave them until you go in to change a filter again.
They won't get into the pump or do any damage.
you might be able to get them out with a magnetic stick or a magnet tied to a string
Know someone with skinny arms? ;D
Like Dp said, go snag one of the magnets on a telescoping stick, one that bends at the end. They run $5-7 at any auto parts shop. That should pick then up without much hassle. And it's a good excuse to get a new tool - it's one of those tools that everyone should have, as we all have, or will drop something somewhere it shouldn't be.
Ooh, the extending magnet idea never even occured to me and I have one in the tool box. I'm gonna give it a shot this morning.
Thanks guys.
I hope the thread title doesnt change "Lost allen AND magnet in tank" [laugh]
so did you ge tit out???????/
Quote from: lwszabo on July 04, 2009, 01:56:46 PM
so did you ge tit out???????/
nah........I tried with the extended magnet, but no luck.
I'll probably do as painter mentioned and find it next time I change the fuel filter.
They also make bendy magnets. Instead of a telescopic one its mounted on a copper or aluminum wire that is flexible. That will get it out for you.
Quote from: Ducaholic on July 06, 2009, 07:28:59 AM
They also make bendy magnets. Instead of a telescopic one its mounted on a copper or aluminum wire that is flexible. That will get it out for you.
that is actually the type of magnet I have.......on a flexible spring. It's a PITA as the magnet sticks to the inside of the tank as well and is hard to move around. I worked it for quite awhile however, and came up empty.
You could just turn it upside down and shake them out [laugh]
Quote from: Duc Fever on July 06, 2009, 12:40:03 PM
You could just turn it upside down and shake them out [laugh]
ha ha
i just pictured a monster hanging upside down from a tree with bungee cords in someones backyard with empty generic blue label beer cans everywhere and a guy using a lighter to see inside the tank
oily wife beater and plumbers crack and all
ha ha thats awesome
well i thought i painted a funny picture
Quote from: causeofkaos on July 06, 2009, 03:03:53 PM
ha ha
i just pictured a monster hanging upside down from a tree with bungee cords in someones backyard with empty generic blue label beer cans everywhere and a guy using a lighter to see inside the tank
oily wife beater and plumbers crack and all
ha ha thats awesome
hahaha
Quote from: Duc Fever on July 06, 2009, 12:40:03 PM
You could just turn it upside down and shake them out [laugh]
I probably could......but I'm getting old (42), recovering from a ruptured achilles and slowly learning that stupid feats of strength are not worth the consequences.