Help! Straw fell into engine

[fsds123]

I was spraying decarb into one of the cylinders when the plastic straw came off the can and fell into the cylinder. I think it might have gone out the exhaust port because I can't see it anymore. Should I run the engine with the straw there? Will it burn up or will it cause damage?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Help! Straw fell into engine

I believe when you fire it up, it will turn to ash and blow out the exhaust. If you can fish it out with something, that would be good. Otherwise, I wouldn't sweat it. More than likely, it's in the exhaust port or already blown out.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Help! Straw fell into engine

I did that on an inboard once, mechanics all said same thing. Don't worry about it. Ashes to ashes..... Good luck

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Help! Straw fell into engine

This has happend on the forum before, don't sweat it, the plastic turns into ash at combustion temps, its already history if you've run the engine. Couple of months ago I blew a similar tube into my CDrom in my office computer using canned air. I had to remove the CDrom to shake it out, these things need to strapped on with a safety harness

 

[fsds123]

Re: Help! Straw fell into engine

Thanks for the info. I figured it would burn up but just wanted to be sure.

 

[TimW]

Re: Help! Straw fell into engine

My local O'Rielly Auto Parts store actually sells a little "safety harness" for these things. They are two for $1. One end slips over the straw and grips it tight, the other end is like a rubber band that goes around the can.<br /><br />edit:<br /><br />Found a link:<br /> http://www.nyblimp.com/superior/holdit.htm

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Help! Straw fell into engine

hello. I too have seen this minor problem. you really should look into the reed box assy and insure it is not hanging a reed open. this causes all kinds of nasty problems. if it made it through the reeds odds are its gone. good luck

 

[Lou C]

Re: Help! Straw fell into engine

Had this happen when cleaning the throttle body on my 89 Toyota. These cars were prone to oil/fuel deposits building up on the back of the throttle plate and that would cause the plate to stick shut and you would fee the gas pedal sticking when you first drove it in the morning.<br />So it got in there good, I wound up getting it out with one of those 3 jaw grabber things. Now when I used one of those cans of either carb cleaner or even fogging spray, I take a piece of duct tape and make a 'wing' for the straw, that way it can't get inside something!<br />Made up a couple of new curse words that day!