Help! Dropped Clip in the Y-pipe!

[Tyger23]

Hi! So, I'm wrapping up my new engine install, when I dropped the retention clip for the trim sending unit down the Y-pipe.

I'm not really worries about not having the retention clip on the trim sender connector, but I'm wondering how to get it out of the y-pioe, or if I actually need to worry about it.

I assume when I start the engine it will try to go out the back, but I don't want it to do any damage on the way out. I've tried flushing water down the pipe, but it didn't come out. My kids have reached in as far as they can, but no joy.

Any ideas on how to get it out, or do I not worry about it and hope it gets sput out the back when the engine fires up?

As an fyi - the is the clip in question.

3852237

https://images.app.goo.gl/mSv3CxHbFPAs93i87

 

[GA_Boater]

If the clip is steel, try dropping a magnet in a string down the Y pipe. Go fishing. :smile:

 

[Lou C]

If you can’t get it you will have to pull the drive, it’s probably laying the the bottom of the exhaust housing. I would replace that clip you definitely don’t want that rubber grommet getting loose. Will cause a leak!

 

[Lou C]

When I did my top end overhaul I covered the openings fit the Y pipe with plastic sandwich bags and rubber bands to hold them there. When installing that really hard to reach clip, tie a string to it and tie the other end to some point on the engine. They are easy to drop and will go into a black hole. The string enables you to retrieve it.

 

[Lou C]

PS I have my own way of dealing with that foolish clip & wiring; it’s been re-routed out the side of the transom mount and up the transom of the boat like a transducer cable. So this totally by passes having to deal with that fool grommet or clip ever again when changing trim senders. The old grommet and clip are left in place.

 

[Tyger23]

Lou,

Thanks as always for the suggestions, but I think you're referring to the clip that holds the grommet to the transom. That's not the one I dropped.

The one I dropped is more of a retainer that holds the two wire connectors together. And yeah - I should have covered up the Y-pipe.

I have no idea if the clip is steel or not, but I've got a tape measure with a magnetic end on it, so maybe that will get it. I'll try later today.

 

[Lou C]

Try again but worse comes to worse if you pull the drive you WILL get it.

 

[Tyger23]

Well, the drive is off right now. I'll get it somehow .