block heater mishap

tbreeze · #1 (**permalink**) 02-14-2004, 02:26 PM

attempted to install block heater on a remanufactured engine. drove soft plug in to block, when attempting to retrive soft plug
pushed it out of reach. any advice would be appreciated. PLEASE!

_________________________
90 super duty 7.3 IDI telsta bucket truck

Zorrro · #2 (**permalink**) 02-14-2004, 05:59 PM

Powerful magnet on a string and good long pair of needle nose pliers. I think it would be real hard for the water pump to suck it up, maybe just leave it? For it to do any damage it would have to get pushed up and out of the block through the thermostat and top hose, then get sucked all the way through the radiator to find it's way into the water pump. Even more difficult, sqeeze it's way through the heater core. I highly doubt this would ever happen. There is/will be lots of metal in the water jacket sooner or later anyway. "You must do what you feel is right, of course"........

Dave Sponaugle · #3 (**permalink**) 02-15-2004, 12:59 AM

I would try a magnet on a piece of wire that is kinda stiff but you can still bend without to much difficulty. I assume the motor is installed in a vehicle.
I would hate to drive it and have it block off a water passage even partially.
Be standing....laying with a good pair of linesman pliers and channel locks handy so you can get a good grip on it when you get it to where you can grab it.
You are probably going to have to use a fair amount of finesse/force to pull it through the hole after you get it.

Probably need to use a lot of words in that other vocabulary as well before it is out.

tbreeze · #4 (**permalink**) 02-15-2004, 08:04 PM

soft plugs appear to be aluminum, have tried to hook it with wire but failed. have even tried vacuum on small piece of tubing to no avail. seems hopeless think i'll just button it up and take my chances.