1995 Merc 90 hp - Helicoil tab broke off into LU

[emoney]

As the title states, I didn't use needle nose pliers like I should've and the tab broke off and proceeded to fall into the lower drain plug hole. I'm going to try to flush it out, hoping I don't need to tear the whole thing apart. Those helicoils are stainless steel and about 1/4" long so surely that can't be good floating around in there? Anybody got any tips or ideas? I heard someone once say use "rubbing alcohol" or "acetone" to flush it after it's drained, if this is good information, then obviously I'd want to use the alcohol because it's cheaper. But can someone confirm that for me before I proceed? Only me does this happen to, lol.

 

[emoney]

Ignore this thread. The title is even screwed up its a 1993 lol. But I’ve got a bigger issue to handle in a new thread that will solve this problem in time.

 

[Texasmark]

I agree, I wouldn't want it floating around either. Diluting the LU oil would make it easier for the chip to fall to the bottom of the cavity and fall or be fished out.

I think I would set the LU in a vise and set up some kind of liquid collector on the drain hole. Then using Brake Parts Cleaner aerosol and the little red hose, have yourself a big time spraying around in there till it falls out. I'd rotate the shift lever through the gears and rotate the prop while spraying as an aid in removal. Being SS a magnet won't help so it's hit and miss with a fishing wire.