lost allen key......2......in the gas tank..........problem?

[pitbull]

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.

[ducpainter]

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.

[DucLeone]

you might be able to get them out with a magnetic stick or a magnet tied to a string

[Slide Panda]

Know someone with skinny arms?

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.

[pitbull]

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.

[EEL]

I hope the thread title doesnt change "Lost allen AND magnet in tank" 

[lwszabo]

so did you ge tit out?/

[xcaptainxbloodx]

tit out?/

ha

[pitbull]

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.

[Porsche Monkey]

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.

[pitbull]

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.

[Duc Fever]

You could just turn it upside down and shake them out 

[causeofkaos]

You could just turn it upside down and shake them out 

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

[causeofkaos]

well i thought i painted a funny picture

[drew.bradshaw]

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