piece of fuel pump flange fell into top of block

[stephaniempvj69]

When I was changing my fuel pump flange a piece of it broke off ( about 1 1/2 inches long) and went into the top of the block. I can't see it when I look into the hole and I'm not sure if it went through to the bottom or if it is laying on the gears somewhere. I was told by a friend to take off the generator stand and try to access it from there and my brother-in-law told me I had to take the engine apart.

Does anyone have any advice on how to get it out without taking the engine apart? Please help!

Oh, I forgot, I have '71 Super Beetle Auto Stick with a dual port 1600CC engine.

[BDSBSS23]

Oh boy that's the ugly part. You should take off the oil plate where you drain the oil. That could help to get the part that fell down in the engine.
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[stephaniempvj69]

Was thinking about that, but not sure where it could've gone. What about taking off the front pulley and removing the oil pump and going in that way?

[66foot]

Stephaniempvj69 -

Been there done that. Don't worry too much.

A piece that large should be fairly easy to extract.

There is no way a piece that large can fall all the way to the pan.

It has probably fallen straight down and is just sitting up next to the gears. I would look to the upper left of the fuel pump access hole.

Get yourself a mini LED shop light so you can look down into the block.

You will also need some flexible claws.

Good luck.

Pat (66foot)

[stephaniempvj69]

I will give that a shot, good to know I'm not the only one who's done this.

[66foot]

Stephaniempvj69 -

See the enclosed photos for the tools that are useful for extracting "stuff".

The mechanics claws have both straight teeth and hooked teeth. From experience I have found that the straight teeth work best for this job, especially since you do not have very much room to maneuver.

Your FLAPS or Sears should have these tools.

The green tool is a flexible magnet for when really bad things fall into your engine.

Pat (66foot)

[jon68]

I have found that the flexible magnetic one works wonders - especially if you cant see it, just swish that thing around in there until it picks up the part (unless of course the part isnt magnetic). Good luck, you shouldnt need to split the block to get something like that out.

[stephaniempvj69]

I found the claw on sears.com (available in store close to me), but not the light. Does it have a specific name other than mini led light? Would wal-mart or auto zone have them?

[66foot]

Stephaniempvj69 -

Bend-A-Light

I believe that I purchased it from Sears. It may be a regular incandescent light.

Pat (66foot)

[stephaniempvj69]

Cool, thanks. I'll check on it tomorrow when I go up there.

I'll let you know if I get it out or not, hopefully I will. If I don't I won't be going to the Texas Classic next weekend.

[66foot]

I hope that you don't miss the Texas Classic.

When you go to replace your push rod and intermediate flange, I highly recommend CB Performance - they are awesome VW OEM.

See the pictures below:

Don't forget to pack the pump.

Without Grease

With Grease

Pat (66foot)

[stephaniempvj69]

[stephaniempvj69]

[66foot]

Stephaniempvj69 -

I use Mystik Tetrimoly for the packing and I put a light coating of Engine Assemply Lube on the push rod.

Pat (66foot)

[stephaniempvj69]

Pat,

Thanks for the info, noone told me I had to do that.
Will report back tomorrow and let you know how things went.

By the way, I don't know if you saw what I added, what is the easiest way to gain access to the area. I don't think it will come out the same way it went in.

Stephanie

[66foot]

Stephaniempvj69 -

Once you locate the piece, then figure your best angle of attack. Probably the Bend-A-Light in the center hole and the mechanics fingers around the outside.

You do not have very much room to maneuver, that is why I suggest using the mechanics fingers with the straight claws. They, will give you about an extra 1/8" of lateral maneuverability.

Be patient and you will be able to remove it.

Pat (66foot)

[Russ Wolfe]

Or try going in through the oil pump opening. That is probably where the piece will be.
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[forrest72bug]

Use a vacum, duct tape a small hose on the end of it put hose down in motor, it might find peace that fell in. Good Luck

[stephaniempvj69]

Thanks for all the help guys, we were able to get the pieces out by using the claw as 66foot suggested. We pulled out 2 pieces about 1 1/4 long, it broke in half when it went through. Did not notice any thing else in there, already changed the oil and only saw a few bits in the screen. Starts and runs fine.

[66foot]

Texas Classic all the way...

Good job!

Pat (66foot)