Whoops. Help Needed

[Playdo98]

When I was fueling my boat up the other day the end piece of chain that keeps the filler cap attached to the fuel filler fell into the tank. My question is do I need to retrieve the piece of chain and will it do any damage if I leave it in the tank?

I believe I should retrieve it, but is there an easier way of retrieving it other than draining the tank.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Noelm]

if it is reasonably easy to get at, remove it, but I guess there is some sort of filter setup, so the chances of it blocking off the fuel is pretty remote (but not impossible)

[PADDLES]

Chain is pretty heavy stuff too so it'll definitely sit in the bottom. Like Noel has said, the chances of the pickup sucking it up would be minimal "but not impossible".

[finga]

Tie a magnet on a string and drop it down the filler neck. You might pick it up (unless it's plastic or 316 staino).
Don't forget to hang onto the dumb end though. ;)
Or tie the string on the cap where the chain was and let the other end with the magnet sloosh around for awhile and that may pick the chain up as well.
Cheers Scott :)

[finga]

Look down the neck. Chances are the other end is dangling just out of view.
PS Don't use a lighter to see if it's dark ::)

[trueblue]

There are long extendable magenst available for this sort of thing. Another alternative is to get a magnet and tie a chord to it, then pull the chord through a long length of reasonably firm plastic tube and then go fishing with that

You don't want that to be floating around in your tank

Good luck

[GBC]

I've had the end off a jiggler syphon floating around mine for the last 18 months. I wouldn't bother looking for chain it won't get sucked up.

[Playdo98]

Thanks guys. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Hey finger, I want use a lighter, but I will have a smoke while I am fueling up next time;)

[Fiji fish head]

my chains been in the tank for two years!!! and nothing has happened!!!!

[ashh]

just bend the end of a coathanger with pliers into a hook shape and go fishing for it

[Aussie Spirit]

Just a thought: Might have some luck in taking out the fuel tank sender unit if it sits on top of the tank.

[Manjilad]

GBC: Me too!! (End of Jiggler and Ball somewhere in my tank).
A THOT: Just wondering GBC have you ever tried to getting it out by filling the tank with petrol and see if it floats up the fuel filler spout! Amazing how dumb I can be - never thot of this till now ..... usually because I always fill up on the way to my favourite reef !!! and my mind is on more important issues heheheheh!!!!
Cheers