I've done it now !!!

[dingbat]

I was changing out everything in the poppet valve on my 1987 175 and I inadvertently dropped the rubber grommet inside the poppet opening. I tired reaching inside with my finger to no avail so I’m stuck. I don't think I can get to it by pulling the lower unit and I doubt I could be as lucky as to be able to blow it out with a hose. Anyone have any tricks? Any suggestions would be much appreciated

 

[technostingray]

Re: I've done it now !!!

How about a grabber pick-up tool?

 

[JB]

Re: I've done it now !!!

You need a long hemostat in your toolbox anyway, dingbat.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Laotzu]

Re: I've done it now !!!

I have a grabber like techno mentions. It's about 18 in. and have used it dozens of time on my motor. It fits into very small openings. Picks up things you can't reach with your fingers.<br /><br />Jerry

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: I've done it now !!!

I have a grabber, three different hemostats and two or three different magnets. They don't help when you break something, which is my other problem.

 

[technostingray]

Re: I've done it now !!!

Looks like we are on our way to a lasting friendship, misery loves company.

 

[twread2]

Re: I've done it now !!!

suck it out with a shop vac

 

[dingbat]

Re: I've done it now !!!

I first tried firing up the motor and blowing it out but that didn't do it. I then tried using a piece of a clothes hanger with the same results. By this time frustration is setting in and it's time to take a break so I headed around to the deck and drew a couple cold ones out of the keg. While sitting there I com up with this idea that I can fish this darn thing out of there so I dug up a piece of 30# trolling wire and attached a 2/0 hook on the en and off I went grommet fishing. It took a while and I as on the verge of saying hell with it and putting it back together when it happened. The hook came back up out of the hole with that darn little black rubber grommet. Relieved, I put it back together and fired it up. I’m glad to say I'm back in business and heading around back for some celebratory keg sucking.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: I've done it now !!!

dingbat, <br /><br />How did you drop it in there? That grommet should fit in the carrier, did you just push it a little too far?

 

[skiwake130]

Re: I've done it now !!!

After reading many posts about grommets falling in, I got a coathanger and bent a small hook on the end, placed the grommet on the coathanger and insert inside. In case I pushed too far and the grommet fell in, the hanger with hook on end stopped it going any further and would make it (hopefully!) easy to retrieve.

 

[dingbat]

Re: I've done it now !!!

Originally posted by KCLOST:<br /> dingbat, <br /><br />How did you drop it in there?

I was trying to get it out and it just sprang right out of my fingers and down in the hole. <br /><br />I couldn't do it again if you paid me.