Got "something stuck" in the gas tank need suggestion on getting it out.

[Mxracer202]

Ok so I was pulling the gass tank out of my c10 and since iIdont have the keys to pop off the locking cap (already frustrated) I took a flat head and started prying it to try and bend it enough where it would just pop out. But it of course is made of aluminun and just snapped off falling in the tank along with my screw driver! AHHHH!! bad idea. so now ive pulled my tank and it wont come out I measured the other hole, then one where the fuel pump goes into the tank, same size. The only thing I can really think of is drilling out the key hole and thinking, hoping, it will come out peacefully! I dont want to cut into the tank or buy a new one so any suggestions??????

[OG2wdblaze]

magnet on a string

[Mxracer202]

Originally Posted by OG2wdblaze

magnet on a string

its lodged in the tank I can get it to the filler hole but it needs a key to twist and be able to fit throught the locking grooves on the filler. so when you lock it, it doesnt just pull straight out. Im thinking drilling out the locking mechanism and hopefully it will all fall apart.

[old man jimmy]

Drilling it out sounds like a really bad idea. You can run water through the tank for an hour, and their's still fumes. I've heard dry ice, but never tried it.

[Gary 70 Jimmy]

Take the sending unit out and try a long magnet.

[Mxracer202]

Originally Posted by Gary 70 Jimmy

Take the sending unit out and try a long magnet.

I took the sending unit out its just as wide as the filler part, i think as soon as it warms up im just gonna try and drill the crap out of it. Its fillled full of rust so im just gonna clean it out with muriatic acid too.

[mustardjimmy71]

you allready have the old one out, put in a new one. then you dont have to spend money cleaning an old one and wondering how much longer it will last

[yellowdawg]

Maybe? A squirrel with a special body suit and a breathing mask. theen train the squireel for deep operations. Its stuff movies are made out of

[Torrey72]

Originally Posted by yellowdawg

Maybe? A squirrel with a special body suit and a breathing mask. theen train the squireel for deep operations. Its stuff movies are made out of

You really don’t want to do this. The cost of Hazmat certification training for squirrels is outrageous. But the squirrels will work for peanuts.

If you can drill the key hole on the lock cap I would start there. Just keep using bigger bits till it comes out. Don't make sparks! I would never drill a hole in the tank wall or fill tube though. If shavings or debris fall in the tank just remove the sending unit and wash it out with water. Rinse and repeat.