Broken pencil in cylinder while finding TDC

[rmr2122]

1971 Super, stock engine. I was doing a simple distributor swap and did the pencil test to confirm TDC. The pencil broke and the eraser end is now lost in my #1 cylinder. What's the fastest and easiest way to get it out? I can't feel it down the hole so tweezers are not going to work.

Thanks in advance.

[Agent47]

You could try a shop vac with the smallest attachment you have, it may be able to pull the piece out.

Personally, I would take the head off and ensure all the foreign materiel is removed; it would be work the extra work not to damage my engine.

[rmr2122]

Thanks! Do I need to remove the engine to take the head apart?

[Cusser]

[rmr2122]

Thanks! Do I need to remove the engine to take the head apart?

[whobba]

Ugh. That's no fun. Try one of those mechanic's grabber tools like this: http://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Claw-Automotive-Mechanic-Generic/dp/B000RB7AGY
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[Q-Dog]

[rmr2122]

Thanks for the troubleshooting. I live in Brooklyn and my car is parked on the street, so dropping the engine is a bigger deal than if it were in a driveway or garage.

I'm going to try the shopvac and grabber methods. If they don't work, I'm going to fire it up and let the damn thing burn. I'm sure there will be some disagreement with this method, but I seriously double the damage capabilities of a thin piece of metal wrapped around the end of the pencil on this tank of an engine.

[Dougy Dee]

Wont a magnet work on the eraser end of the pencil?

[slalombuggy]

[Tim Donahoe]

Use the shop vac, or any vacuum cleaner. Tape up a clear hose to the vacuum suction--a hose that will fit into the spark plug hole. Stick the hose in and turn on the vacuum. Watch the clear hose for the eraser head.

However, if no eraser shows up in the hose, the eraser may simply be stuck to the hose end, so gently pull out the hose with the vacuum still operating.

Tim
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[johnnypan]

[Glenn]

[Volks Wagen]

[Glenn]

[Dougy Dee]

ALUMINUM! Then that wont work. I should have checked more pencils than the old one I found in the back shop... It was steel/magnetic.

[Danpa]

Could he/she remove the bolts in the rear of the frame fork and lower the engine/trans enough to get the head off? Might not have to completely remove the engine that way.

Just a thought,

Dan

[Old n' slow]

[Volks Wagen]

I wonder would pouring oil in the plug hole fast cause it to float up and out?
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