I keep dropping things into the cowl well

[HotTommy]

One of the smarter things I thought to do while replacing the piston on my 1993 Force 150 was to drape a large white cloth around the powerhead to catch anything I dropped. Unfortunately, during other stages of work the previous owner and I managed to drop several other things including nuts and bolts that made their way into the well where the lower cowl wraps around the leg of the engine. Some dropped things I can see. Others are who knows where. .... I've removed the ones that are magnetic, but the stainless steel bits remain. ... I started to remove the lower cowl cover but the bolt gave me that feel that said, "HEY! We are stainless steel bolts firmly corroded into this aluminum housing and we will break if you twist us any harder. Do you REALLY want to go there?"

So my question is, should I just leave the dropped parts to rattle around in the lower cowl well, or can they do some harm if I don't get them out?

 

[bashr52]

There are no moving parts down there for them to jam into, so I'd just let them ride.

 

[pnwboat]

Yes I would agree with bashr52, but it's ultimately your decision. I've been able to retrieve some with those stainless steel parts with a tool like this. They're available on-line from several sources.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Handy-24-in...ol-HB251-/400509121792?_trksid=p2054897.l5662

 

[HotTommy]

Thanks for the advice. I'll sleep better knowing those lost bits are in a safe place.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Yup magic fingers.
I have 2.Fingers are getting old and drop lots of little things.

 

[SkiDad]

I've dropped quite a few things in there in the 3 years I've owned my motor - i get my kids to reach down there with skinny arms. Glad to hear I'm not alone