Clear tube in differntial
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
I can't see it hurting it either, but the agravation of not getting it out would drive me nuts, I bet I could get it out with a set of mechanics fingers, the temp wouldn't be enough to melt the plastic and even if it did it wouldn't hurt any thing. Like I said, my gear oil looked like silver paint when I got it, the po didn't use posi additive which ground the friction material off of the clutch plates and I drove it for 3,000 miles after I got it before pulling the diff cover to replace it with the hd diff cover. bearings looked fine. Have put 10,000 miles on those bearings since, no issues, so I don't think that plastic particles would do any damage and if it were mine I'd try to fish it out and if that didn't work I'd probably pull the diff cover due to frustation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i agree with the mechanics fingers, that could be your best shot. chances are it would stay at the bottom and little chance it would get picked up. still the fact remains it isn't a factory approved modification.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 4
From: West Michigan
I did that to a manual transmission and it broke a bearing. That plastic got between the gears and spread the shafts. Probably will do the same thing in the ring and pinion or spider gears/posi unit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
If it goes to the bottom and never gets in contact with the gears or the posi system, you will be ok. If it does get picked up it will not only break up into tiny pics but there could be melting involved and this will most likely do damage to your gears,bearings,seals, and clutches.
Though its alot of work. I would try to get it out even if that involves taking the Diff cover off.
Though its alot of work. I would try to get it out even if that involves taking the Diff cover off.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Thanks so much for the feedback. I hadn't expected such a response but it's much appreciated. The divergent opinions aren't a surprise as they pretty much mirror what I've had from folks "offline". For my own peace of mind I'd like to get it out so I'm waiting for an inspection camera to arrive and then I'm going to take a look inside the differential. I think if I can see it I'll be able to retrieve it. I will let you know how it works out when I get the camera. Thanks again, Gary
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
Thanks so much for the feedback. I hadn't expected such a response but it's much appreciated. The divergent opinions aren't a surprise as they pretty much mirror what I've had from folks "offline". For my own peace of mind I'd like to get it out so I'm waiting for an inspection camera to arrive and then I'm going to take a look inside the differential. I think if I can see it I'll be able to retrieve it. I will let you know how it works out when I get the camera. Thanks again, Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
I don't think it will hurt either, but if you want to get it out here is what I would do.
Drain the oil out first.
Then get your shop vac and duct tape a piece of copper tubing or small diameter vinyl hose into your existing hose and start sucking around in the diff.
On second thought the vinyl tube would probably work better since it can flex.
Just have it be thick walled stuff so it doesn't just pinch shut while bending it around.
Drain the oil out first.
Then get your shop vac and duct tape a piece of copper tubing or small diameter vinyl hose into your existing hose and start sucking around in the diff.
On second thought the vinyl tube would probably work better since it can flex.
Just have it be thick walled stuff so it doesn't just pinch shut while bending it around.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
OK Guys, thanks for all the advice and the great suggestions. The bottom line is that I had success. I was able to remove the tubing using an inspection camera and flexible grippers. I taped the camera head about an inch above the claws of the gripper so the two tools could be manipulated as one and I could see the claws open and close in the camera. Then I went fishing, found the tube and was able to grab it with the claws and pull it out. Hallelujah!! The differential is now filled with fresh fluid and modifier and all is well. I've attached a pic showing the result. Thanks again for your help. Gary
