Plastic gas nozzle fell into fuel tank - what to do?

[mdolesh]

I need some advice please! Boat was on the hard and very low on fuel so I brought a 5 gallon can and a ladder. The fuel started running down my hand so I tried to adjust my grip, bam! I am off the ladder, gas can on the ground, and the plastic "nozzle" is down in the fuel tank. SO...what do I do? The boat ran great all weekend and this didnt stop me from filling it up with 110 gallons. My thought/hope was that this piece would float...? Its hollow and obviously made to be ok with gasoline, but its driving me crazy thinking it might cause some damage. Any suggestions? Here is a picture of the piece. Thanks!

 

[kevin27]

Don't worry about it.

 

[HawkX66]

I'm sure it won't be a problem, but I'd pull the fuel sender and go in from there to see if I could grab it with a claw or something. Just be careful not to introduce anything else to the fuel tank.

 

[Lazy Daze]

That's a pretty long nozzle with that extra hose, and all. Most likely, it's caught up in the fuel fill hose at the first bend of the hose. With the fitting at the tank, I can't see how it would actually be in the tank. I'm not sure I'd really worry about it, but at the same time it would bug me. If you can't reach it through the fill nozzle with one of those extendable claw reach tools (they're flexible... I've had one for years and they come in really handy!), you could remove the fill hose at the tank and then try to push it through from the fill fitting with a garden hose.

 

[mdolesh]

Thanks guys! Its just the black plastic piece at the end...3 or 4 inches long.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I'd still be hard pressed to imagine it would make it past the 90* bend at the tank. Possibly, I suppose.

 

[gerryb]

Might try a shop vac on the fuel fill and see if that sucks it back up? Stop if you are sucking up gas obviously. Otherwise it might be in the tank. I would also want to be sure that it is floating. Not all plastic floats -depends on the type of plastic. What if this piece were dense plastic that is actually sitting at the bottom of the tank?

 

[kvduff]

Might try a shop vac on the fuel fill and see if that sucks it back up? Stop if you are sucking up gas obviously. Otherwise it might be in the tank. I would also want to be sure that it is floating. Not all plastic floats -depends on the type of plastic. What if this piece were dense plastic that is actually sitting at the bottom of the tank?

yea i would avoid the electric shop vac, gas fumes and the electric motor probably wont mix well.

 

[Golfman25]

I am one thinking/hoping that it's stuck in the fuel fill hose. Get a claw and try it first -- maybe you'll get lucky.

 

[mdolesh]

Thanks for all the ideas guys! I was considering getting an identical piece and putting it in a bucket with gas to see if it floats or sinks. However, I dont know which is the ideal outcome. Where is the gas pulled from the tank? If it floats is that ideal or if it sinks is that a problem or vice versa? I like the claw method and happen to have one of those at home (I should install a garbage disposal in my wife's sink, all the hair she "accidentally" flushes down it"). I don't think a vacuum will work because its a hollow tube, wont get suction.

 

[Doc O Rock]

Might try a shop vac on the fuel fill and see if that sucks it back up? Stop if you are sucking up gas obviously. Otherwise it might be in the tank. I would also want to be sure that it is floating. Not all plastic floats -depends on the type of plastic. What if this piece were dense plastic that is actually sitting at the bottom of the tank?

He has gas engines and gas fumes and anything NOT ignition protected is NOT a good idea.

 

[kevin27]

Might try a shop vac on the fuel fill and see if that sucks it back up? Stop if you are sucking up gas obviously. Otherwise it might be in the tank. I would also want to be sure that it is floating. Not all plastic floats -depends on the type of plastic. What if this piece were dense plastic that is actually sitting at the bottom of the tank?

Bad idea. It will suck up fuel vapor and could cause a fire or explosion. Vacuum is not for flammable liquids. Do not do this please.

 

[kevin27]

Again, don't worry about it. You put 110 gal and used it with no issue. PBA......

Probably be alright......

 

[Shoyrtt]

Thanks for all the ideas guys! I was considering getting an identical piece and putting it in a bucket with gas to see if it floats or sinks. However, I dont know which is the ideal outcome. Where is the gas pulled from the tank? If it floats is that ideal or if it sinks is that a problem or vice versa? I like the claw method and happen to have one of those at home (I should install a garbage disposal in my wife's sink, all the hair she "accidentally" flushes down it"). I don't think a vacuum will work because its a hollow tube, wont get suction.

You want the piece to float. The problem you want to avoid is the plastic breaking down and clogging your fuel filter(s) or getting past the filter and mucking up your injectors or carb. I use plastic wiffle balls as a baffle in the fuel cell in my race car. To test the balls, we leave them in a 5 gallon tank for about a week to see if they break down usually due to the ethanol or other additives in pump gas. If your test piece breaks down, you need to get the actual piece out. If not, just consider it a small baffle.

 

[Tim Fila]

Can you get a bore scope and see if you can see it?

 

[Brite Idea]

I doubt it made it to the tank just disconnect the hose from the tank and fish it out.