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Old 09-14-2018, 08:33 AM   #1
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HELP! Dipstick fell into transmission

When checking my transmission oil yesterday (Paragon 200 on a FL 120), I was left only with the dipstick cap in my hand. The actual stick that dips into the oil (about 6 inches long) separated from the cap and stayed inside the transmission. I didn't have any magnet or retrieving tool with me so I just left everything as is for now. I'm hoping that I will be able to fish it out easily with the proper retrieving tool but in case I don't, what are my options?

I'm guessing it would be a very bad idea to use the boat with that thing loose inside the tranny? It's the end of the season here and I'm hauling the boat out in a few days, so it's no big deal for the moment. But I still have to get the boat to the travel lift...

Any insights or previous experience would certainly help!
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Old 09-14-2018, 09:07 AM   #2
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It may not be magnetic. Good, long, needle-nose pliers may grab it. I wouldn’t engage transmission but I’m not a mechanic.
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Old 09-14-2018, 09:16 AM   #3
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Greetings,
"...long, needle-nose pliers may grab it." Even better might be long forceps.


https://www.harborfreight.com/12-inc...amp-94952.html


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Old 09-14-2018, 09:29 AM   #4
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I'm crossing my fingers the thing is magnetic! The cap is so there is a good chance the stick is as well. Not sure the pliers/forceps would work. The hole is pretty darn small. 1/2 an inch at the most and I would have to go rather deep.
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Old 09-14-2018, 12:12 PM   #5
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Most likely magnetic as so much else is , why go exotic at that point?

A telescoping rare earth magnet bolt retriever or a rare earth magnet epoxied to a piece of solid copper wire would be try 2 with care not to catch it on anything by oushing to hard/far.
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Old 09-14-2018, 01:01 PM   #6
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Last resort before taking it apart might be to put a large magnet on the bottom of the sump to hopefully hold the lost item out of the gears.
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Old 09-14-2018, 02:15 PM   #7
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Here's what you want for fishing in the transmission.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GrabEasy...0401/202505170

Ted
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Old 09-14-2018, 02:59 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jleonard View Post
Last resort before taking it apart might be to put a large magnet on the bottom of the sump to hopefully hold the lost item out of the gears.
the mag field on the oily side of a cast iron pan will be nil. The magnet would have to be IN the sump. I do recall some VD trannies had one on the inside.
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Old 09-14-2018, 03:00 PM   #9
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These should work:

https://www.google.com/search?client...9DJ1qCIqay6IM:
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Old 09-14-2018, 04:02 PM   #10
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Quote:
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the mag field on the oily side of a cast iron pan will be nil. The magnet would have to be IN the sump. I do recall some VD trannies had one on the inside.
Yes mine has one. I didn't know that when I pulled an oil sample though. You know what the sample showed LOL
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Old 09-14-2018, 06:08 PM   #11
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Those long nose forceps also work well to retrieve unauthorized objects left by guests who didn’t follow the toilet use instructions.
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Old 09-14-2018, 06:30 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by O C Diver View Post
Here's what you want for fishing in the transmission.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GrabEasy...0401/202505170

Ted

X2. It will make a little mess as oil will cling to the tool sheath.
Did you find out if its steel or stainless steel?
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Old 09-14-2018, 06:37 PM   #13
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I would not even start the engine. Even idling the main shaft and counter shaft(s) will be rotating including the gears that connect them all.

It sounds like the part that got left behind is visible or partly visible? That would be great and at least give you a fighting chance of getting it out.
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Old 09-14-2018, 06:56 PM   #14
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If you're going to fish for the stick, it might be worth draining the oil so you could possibly see the stick.

Ted
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Old 09-14-2018, 08:06 PM   #15
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You need a pick up claw. I have an old one that has the same small size outer coil. Needs to be smaller than tube. Pic is from ebay. Probably available from most auto parts stores.
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Old 09-14-2018, 09:42 PM   #16
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Try a plastic straw. Slip it over the top of the dipstick and hold your thumb over the top of the straw when you draw it up.
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Old 09-14-2018, 10:42 PM   #17
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Did you retrieve it yet?
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Old 09-15-2018, 05:51 AM   #18
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HELP! Dipstick fell into transmission

No luck. I tried for an hour yesterday with a magnetic retrieving tool and didn't get anywhere. I don't see the stick unfortunately. I kinda feel it when I plunge the tool inside but it's not coming out. Pliers would be no use. I will get a grabber tool today and try it but my expectations are pretty low at this point.

There is some kind of cover on top of the transmission where the shifting lever sits. It has 4 allen bolts. Any chance I could take that off and get to the part from there?
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Old 09-15-2018, 06:49 AM   #19
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You might be able to get it through that access plate. It's worth a try before tearing the transmission apart.
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Old 09-15-2018, 09:12 AM   #20
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harbor freight has both the forceps and the grabber, cheap
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