block heater -> HELP! dropped a freeze plug

[stefan]

thanks for all the input guys. i wont get a chance to look at it till tonight but ill let you all know how it goes.
I looked in the princess auto catalogue and they have all sorts of flexable magnet thingers

I have to admit i think it fell down kinda far. i cant feel it with my fingers.

I dont really like the idea of leaving it in there... what if it makes its way to the water pump or something?

Also, would i be able to reach it if i took the water pump off? i cant remember how tight it is in there. just a thought.

[Damkid]

taking the water pump off "might" make some room to see in there

[gdawgs]

Here's the type of telescopic magnet you need.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2719770

You need a high power one with swivel head, and one where the magnet isn't very long(< 1 inch). The plug can't fall down that far, so the magnet will easily get it.

Wait a minute, I thought I told you not to drop it in.

[kzbill]

ya know Gdawg, I think I remember you saying that!

[stefan]

awww yeah! i got it out!!

i only got off work at 9 so it was too late to pick up a magnet tool. but i couldn't help attacking it with what i had. I tried soldering a fairly strong magnet to the end of a piece of stiff 14ga ish wire. i could get at it with it but it was jammed in there. the magnet wasn't strong enough. So i tried this hook tool and it worked! i got in hooked on and gave a sharp pull and it raised up. then i got my fingers on it and clamped on the vise grips again and ripped it out!



that is very frustrating work. i hate working in tight spaces like that. especially when you cant see what your doing and you have to do everything by feel.

[LittleHoe]

good job man... Working in stuff like that is horrible, like you say trying to do everything just by feeling around.

[kzbill]

Persistence and patience, pays off.

I can just imagine, lying on my back under the car, poking around with a pick, magnet, screwdriver and any other thing for hours. Bending, twisting and writhing around on the floor.
Repositioning lights, tools and cursing the day the car was made.
Oh wait, I did that, A hundred times or more.

All I can say is It really builds your persistence, patience, humility, and in the end your confidence in your abilities to solve the most bleak mechanical circumstance. Conquering problems, mechanical or otherwise, are mind exercises, lifiting wheights with your head and a life lesson. Every time you jump a hurdle like that you can jump just a little higher next time.

Great job!........... Congratulations!!......... whats next?

[monkeyracing]

Congrats! I was about to hop in the car and drive to Winterpeg to help you out. Wait, I don't know if it'd make it that far.

Jim