Dropped a hose clamp in my block..dont laugh - Diesel Forum

twenger · 11-23-2008, 12:46 AM

I converted my 97 pwrstroke over to an electric fuel system but when I pulled the manual fuel pump out I wasnt paying attention and dropped a small 1/2" hose clamp through the hole for the pump in the block. It slid around the cam and I think stopped. I cranked the motor for a half second and when I stopped it sounded like it hit the oil pan. Is it safe there? I tried to feel around the oil pan with a wire but i couldnt get to it bit the oil drain has the pickup right over it. I really dont wanna pull the motor to get the pan off so I could use some reassurance to make me feel better about leaving it in. any comments laughs or insults welcome

powerstroke_mike · 11-23-2008, 10:49 AM

WOW i wouldnt believe the odds of that happening.. well if it was me i would drain the oil an see if i could tell for sure the clamp is all the way donw in the pan.. i know a few people have dropped or let the tappet for the fuel pump fall down an still running there engines with the tappet in the oil pan. maybe you can use a magnet to see if you can fish it out of the oil pan drain pan hole ??

galexander · 11-23-2008, 10:59 AM

Maybe a piece of bailing wire or coat hanger you could move it around. My guess is the clamp is probably bigger than the drain hole.

chuckster57 · 11-23-2008, 11:09 AM

If the oil pan is Baffled, then the clamp might be riding on it. and I don't know how much clearance there is between the crank and the baffle. I would hate to have that thing moving around and one of the crank journals pick it up and throw it at 2000 rpm. Just my thoughts.....

**bugman** · 11-23-2008, 12:13 PM

Sounds like you have a interesting predicament. If you still have the oil drained out of the pan take a rubber mallet and hit the pan on the bottom and listen to see if you can hear it bouncing around. If it is in the pan I don't think that you would have anything to worry about.

Jim

twenger · 11-23-2008, 01:03 PM

thanks guys. its a stainless hose clamp so I cant use a magnet. I fiddled around with a wire.. I think I felt it but im not sure. I couldnt feel any baffles so I think im just hoped for the best. After hitting the oil pan i couldnt feel anything rattle but its pretty solid. So far ive driven the truck about ten miles without a problem... knock on wood. I dont know if its just me but the engine sounds quieter with the electric pump in. So far so good

RD97 · 11-23-2008, 03:02 PM

The oil pan does have a baffle, so it should be ok once it's in the bottom.
The hole for the dipstick retainer is probably big enough to pass the hose clamp through, but the working clearances are tight, so it might be tricky.

-RD