WtbS2k

Hi guys,
I dropped a bolt between the car and the gas tank when i swaped out the fuel pump for the SC. Now, ever time i drive it, it rattles like crazy . i tried everything to get it out, but no luck so far.
so, i decided to take out the gas tank to let it out, but it's quite abit of work according to the service manual i got. i am wondering if i can lose the bolts and drop the tank a little bit, and the bolt may just fall out. Do you guys think it's possible? Have any of you lost one in there before?
thanks in advance!

WtbS2k

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WtbS2k

ttt

Smokings2K

i mean i really dont know the exact location that you dropped the nut but i know that you can buy some pick up tool with magnet at the end at sears or some automotive store that you can use. If you can get those pick up tool, then u can simply just move it around and hopefully u will find the exact location and be able to magnet them. I always do the same thing whnever i drop a nut and it always work for me. Try them and see, if not then send me a pic so that maybe i can help u better as to where i can get an access to it

RWD_RCKT

I have heard it is definitely NOT easy to get the tank down either. Doesn't seem to be a workaround...

What about a vacuum, or compressed air, with a little bit of praying...

WtbS2k

Thanks for the replies smokings2k and RWD_RCKT.


The bolt i dropped is one out of the 8? that hold the fuel pump compartment on the gas tank. it went in between the car and the gas tank. Before it was stuck at the side and didn't make any noise. now it moved from the drive side to the center (right behind the passenger seat) after a few days of drive and started rattling. i tried the pick up tool; it didn't work (not much room to go in between the car and the tank). i also tried to use a thin metal cloth hanger to reach in there to see if i can touch it anyhow; it didn't work either.

Use a vacuum would be a good idea if there's enough room, but it's very tight in there. maybe 0.3 inch space between the car and the tank. and there's no room for it to falling out from the sides of the tas tank

i think there's no other way around it other than taking out the gas tank.

Siepel

I dropped an indicator bulb in the headlamp assembly once and finally I used a long thin rubber hose, taped to the inlet of the vacuum hose, to pick it up. It was easy to get into the narrow space and despite the small diameter the suction power was plenty. Maybe with some fishing it might work for you!


Siepel

WtbS2k

Thanks Siepel

I think a think rubber hose won't go in there since the the room is so tiny between the car and the tank. i will give it a try later anyways see if it will work.

WtbS2k

I got another idea here, but i don't know if it's good or bad.
i am thinking of cutting a little bit of the metal sheet off the spare tire area to reach down, but i am afraid i may do some serious damage to the car if i do that. any suggestions on that?

RWD_RCKT

Unless you have a clear idea of what exactly is underneath that you are cutting... I would NOT do that. It is not just cutting into the gas tank, there might be a rib that you could get stuck on... push a little too hard and then pop, now you need a new gas tank.