Clear tube in differntial
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Clear tube in differntial
While changing the differential fluid in my '75 corvette a 3 inch piece of clear vinyl tubing fell off the tip of the bottle into the differential. The feedback I've had is about 50/50 split between "don't worry about it, the gears will devour it and then just change out the fluid again" and "it's got to come out as it may cause serious damage (although no one has said what damage it may cause or how). Anybody been down this road or have a definitive answer? As you know taking the cover off the differential is a pain in the #ss but on the other hand I don't want to get into a bigger and more expensive job if damage can occur by not removing it. Your input is much appreciated. Thanks, Gary 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Yea, Me too. I feel like it would fall down to the bottom and stay there causing no problem whatsoever, and since the pinion is forward and much higher it will not likely pick it up. But, If it picks the thing up and ingests it in one gulp, it could cause a problem.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 480
Likes: 42
From: Los Angeles CA
One more thought. Drain it with a hand suction pump. The plastic tip might come out or get stuck in the tube. The oil is new and if kept clean can be reused. It is worth a try. Nothing lost but some time.
Let us know how you make out.
Let us know how you make out.
Last edited by Frank_Nesta; Apr 29, 2014 at 12:20 AM. Reason: Added comment.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
I'd use a set of mechanics fingers, you can put a slight bend in them and fish away. If that don't work try a releasable spear... oh wait that's actually work not trying to fish plastic out of your diff. Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
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. It seems there may not be a definitive answer. I'm not getting anywhere fishing blind so I'm getting an inspection camera so I can see inside and if I can see it I think I'll be able to remove it. I'll let you know what happens. Gary
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 484
Likes: 43
From: NJ
75roadster, Don't be lazy, fish it out or take it apart to remove it. Do you really think it is Ok to leave in there?
What do you think will happen to the bearings and clutches once it gets chewed up and distributed through out the rear. Premature failure is premature failure plain and simple.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Is this how things are done up north? I guess if you can't see it, it won't hurt you
75roadster, Don't be lazy, fish it out or take it apart to remove it. Do you really think it is Ok to leave in there?
What do you think will happen to the bearings and clutches once it gets chewed up and distributed through out the rear. Premature failure is premature failure plain and simple.
75roadster, Don't be lazy, fish it out or take it apart to remove it. Do you really think it is Ok to leave in there?
What do you think will happen to the bearings and clutches once it gets chewed up and distributed through out the rear. Premature failure is premature failure plain and simple.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 480
Likes: 42
From: Los Angeles CA
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 484
Likes: 43
From: NJ
I don't have any pictures, if that's what you are asking. I usually don't take pictures of other people's screw up's, I just fix them.
Once the plastic gets chewed up enough and distributed though out the rear, it can cause hot spots in the bearings and clutches, causing premature failure. Throw some tiny plastic beads in you rear diff and let me know how you make out after a few hundred miles. Contamination is always the beginning of a failed part.
Don't get me wrong, back yard mechanics
are some of my best customers. Especially internet mechanics, these guys know everything. 
Once the plastic gets chewed up enough and distributed though out the rear, it can cause hot spots in the bearings and clutches, causing premature failure. Throw some tiny plastic beads in you rear diff and let me know how you make out after a few hundred miles. Contamination is always the beginning of a failed part.
Don't get me wrong, back yard mechanics
are some of my best customers. Especially internet mechanics, these guys know everything.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
I can tell you what happens in the engine oil pan and show pics. The tube gets soft since the melting point is about 300 degrees. It then slowly gets clogged in the screen of the oil pickup (partially melts into it) and starves the engine for oil. Happens on boats where a pump is used to remove oil through the dipstick.
Not sure if it could be hard enough to damage gears or bearings by jamming in between. I could see where the limited slip might get mucked up by partially melted pieces.
Not sure if it could be hard enough to damage gears or bearings by jamming in between. I could see where the limited slip might get mucked up by partially melted pieces.
