Dropped a fuel container nozzle in the tank (L3800)

[Rail Dawg]

Well I dropped in one of those long white plastic fittings from a fuel container into my fuel tank. I can't see it now but will maybe once I burn some diesel off.

Is it destined to spend it's life in my fuel tank?

What tool would you use to get it out? I thought maybe all you smart guys here could come up with something awesome.

Thanks.

 

[amaxwell]

Well I dropped in one of those long white plastic fittings from a fuel container into my fuel tank. I can't see it now but will maybe once I burn some diesel off.

Is it destined to spend it's life in my fuel tank?

What tool would you use to get it out? I thought maybe all you smart guys here could come up with something awesome.

Thanks.

Wire coat hanger,bent with a small hook?

 

[TripleR]

Coat hanger or go to an auto parts store and get a three pronged parts retriever.

 

[txdon]

Be careful, don't damage anything in the inside or your fuel gauge will be off - don't ask me how I know....

 

[xerman]

I would think with a bright flashlight you should be able to see it in the tank. Then I would use one of those long thin grabbing rods to grab it. (Pick up tool ?)
It looks like the throttle cable that would be on a lawn mower. It has a little knob on one end and a little multi fingered grabber on the other end. The fingers open up when you push the knob in and closes the fingers when you pull the knob back. They are about 18 inches long and you can buy them at any hardware store for a couple of bucks.
You should be able get it out with that.
Good luck.

 

[TripleR]

Be careful, don't damage anything in the inside or your fuel gauge will be off - don't ask me how I know....

Trust me, I KNOW and have the repair bill to prove it.:laughing:

Lesson learned not to be repeated.

 

[Don87]

Any small diameter semi stiff wire wil work if you don't have a coat hanger(they are getting rare), like electric fence wire.

 

[Rail Dawg]

You guys are amazing.

What great ideas!

 

[Dave M7040]

Is there a rubber hose neck to the tank so that the fill point is more convenient and this hose has a bend or two in it so you cannot see into the tank?

If so I would first disconnect the hose so you have direct access into the tank. If you can see the part you are less likely to damage expensive parts getting it out. Dont just go grabbing around as you are certain to damage the float for the fuel gauge. If you are technically inclined, look for a USB camera you can connect to a laptop and then look around when the fuel level is very low. The loose part is not going to hurt anything so dont be afraid to just forget about it.
Dave M7040

 

[DieselnHooters]

Why not just leave it there ?....thats unless you are emotionnaly attached to that nozzle lol