Portable gas can nozzle rubber tip fell into Filler Pipe - How do I get out?

td · #1 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 02:32 AM

Hi guys, I just discovered this forum and hope you can help me out with a problem.

My girlfriend owns a 2002 Highlander 4WD V6 and the other day she was in a rush and was a bit overly optimistic about how much gas she had left. Well she ended up running out of gas, fortunately she was only 2 miles from my house so I headed out with a portable gas container to get her going again.

At the end of the portable gas can's nozzle there was a 5" flexible rubber tip. Immediately after I tilted the gas can into position the damn tip fell right off and down into the filler pipe. There wasn't much I could do about it at the time so I continued pouring the remaining gas and let her get on her way.

Now, after she has filled up at two different gas stations she is having problems when trying to fill up. She is able to get gas in, but the pump nozzle shut-off keeps stopping the gas flow every few seconds. Basically that rubber tip that fell in the filler pipe is restricting the flow causing the nozzle shut-off to happen repeatedly.

Can you guys offer any suggestions on a tool to remove the object? Or perhaps instructions of gaining access to the filler pipe?

She may just bring her Highlander down to the Toyota dealership but I really don't want her to have to pay alot to get this thing removed. So if you guys can offer alternatives it would be appreciated.

Thanks,

-Todd

TRDSport · #2 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 09:40 AM

Can you see the rubber tip? If you can, I think I have seen some pretty long needle-nose pliers for sale at Home Depot.

ajctchr · #3 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 09:47 AM

What also might work is a grabbing tool you should be able to get at an auto parts or hardware store. It's about two feet long with a claw that comes out of the cable housing to grab items when a plunger is pushed down from the other end. Good luck.

TRDSport · #4 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajctchr

What also might work is a grabbing tool you should be able to get at an auto parts or hardware store. It's about two feet long with a claw that comes out of the cable housing to grab items when a plunger is pushed down from the other end. Good luck.

Good idea. I forgot about those tools.

td · #5 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 04:38 PM

Thanks for the suggestions . I'm going to meet up with her right now and hopefully with a mirror and flashlight I'll be able to spot the rubber tip. If I can see it then that'll definitely make it easier to remove it.

I'll probably pick up that tool you mentioned ajctchr. The sounds like my best shot without taking things apart.

Thanks again guys,

-Todd

SGull · #6 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 05:18 PM

Just be very very careful working with metal tools around the gas vapors!
Make sure you're grounded, static electricity in NOT your friend!

bob259 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by td

Thanks for the suggestions . I'm going to meet up with her right now and hopefully with a mirror and flashlight I'll be able to spot the rubber tip. If I can see it then that'll definitely make it easier to remove it.

I'll probably pick up that tool you mentioned ajctchr. The sounds like my best shot without taking things apart.

Thanks again guys,

-Todd

How did you make out???

TRDSport · #8 (**permalink**) 03-04-2007, 06:16 PM

Were you able to remove the nozzle?