dropped fuel hose clamp

left-brain

New member
I have changed the fuel filter on my 2008 sprinter 3500 several times without mishap, but this time I managed to lose a fuel hose clamp (clik clamp) down into the right side of the engine compartment just to the right of the filter. I can see it, but could not get any type of tool on it to pull it out as the area is congested. Looks like major dissasembly to get at it. Any problem to just leave it there?

Any suggestions?
 

Altered Sprinter

Happy Little Vegemite
I have changed the fuel filter on my 2008 sprinter 3500 several times without mishap, but this time I managed to lose a fuel hose clamp (clik clamp) down into the right side of the engine compartment just to the right of the filter. I can see it, but could not get any type of tool on it to pull it out as the area is congested. Looks like major dissasembly to get at it. Any problem to just leave it there?

Any suggestions?
I'd suggest the magical long nose magnetic pick up tool,solves a lot of problems when your trying to get into tight awkward places. hardware shops, auto shops, JC Wittney etc sells them.
63387.jpg

DSC01518(1) (Custom).JPG
Part number replacement number for Mercedes
Hope this helps
Cheers Richard
 

flman

Roadrunner, Genius of Birds ALWAYS WINS! NO FAILS!
I have changed the fuel filter on my 2008 sprinter 3500 several times without mishap, but this time I managed to lose a fuel hose clamp (clik clamp) down into the right side of the engine compartment just to the right of the filter. I can see it, but could not get any type of tool on it to pull it out as the area is congested. Looks like major dissasembly to get at it. Any problem to just leave it there?

Any suggestions?
You can see it, why not put a hook on a wire clothes hanger and snatch it, other wise I would just leave it there.
 

220629

Well-known member
You can see it, why not put a hook on a wire clothes hanger and snatch it, other wise I would just leave it there.
Or just tape a small magnet to the coat hanger and use that. A magnet pick up unit as Richard suggests are good to have around.

Just leaving it is probably not a bad option. vic
 

jdcaples

Not Suitable w/220v Gen
At least it was just a clamp. I put towels over holes where parts might go flying so I can redeem them from an accessible rag, instead of the inaccessable areas of the OM642 engine V.

I nearly lost bolt that closes fuel filter bracket.

There isn't much the V that can be hurt by the clamp. I'd don't think it's going to go flying into the fan or turn into a bullet that wil pierce the radiator or firewall. If you can't get it out, I'd just leave it, or try to push it towards accessibility with compressed air.


-Jon
 

left-brain

New member
Thanks for the help. I tried the magneteic pick tool, but as mentioned by one of the group, the clamp is stainless steel. I also tried to make a hook out of stainless steel but was so far, unnable to grab it. I plan to make a hook of hardened steel with a point on it. I too doubt that it will be a problem if I just forget it, but short of major dissassembly, I am too stubborn to let it go just yet.

My sprinter tech at the Orange Park Dodge, opmne who believes in and supports owner maintenance gave me a pair of new-type fuel filter hose clamps that he uses that have a small hex nut that tightens the clamp. I did not use them this time, as I already had the click clamp and the $75 mercedes fuel filter clamp pliers.

Any more thoughts or suggestions will be welcome, thanks again.
 

cedarsanctum

re: Member
Use to have a long, flexible pickup tool that had little fingers that came out with the push of a syringe like button on the opposite end, about 18" long. Haven't seen one in a while, not sure where to look, but i sold them at the small hardware store i worked at over a decade ago. Small stores can be great for finding weird stuff like that.
 

Oldfartt

Active member
Hi, Left-brain,

The clamp given to you by your mechanic is likely to allow air to be drawn into the fuel system. Much better to use the proper clamp as shown in the photo in Altered,s post and are not expensive, compared to the cost of fixing the the van if you are stranded on the side of the road many miles from help. These can also be found in specialist irrigation suppliers and pump suppliers.
Cheers

Ross
 

jdcaples

Not Suitable w/220v Gen
Use to have a long, flexible pickup tool that had little fingers that came out with the push of a syringe like button on the opposite end, about 18" long. Haven't seen one in a while, not sure where to look, but i sold them at the small hardware store i worked at over a decade ago. Small stores can be great for finding weird stuff like that.
Surprisingly enough, this is less than $30.00 from Snap-ON: SKU number DPTC24

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...d=1273&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

48278.jpg

-Jon

PS: Just noticed it's not made in the USA. That's why it's so cost-effective.
 

left-brain

New member
The fuel filter hose clamps I am using now are the exact ones shown in Altered's photo. I will see about getting one of those clamp (pac-man) type tools. Thanks again for the Help
 

Altered Sprinter

Happy Little Vegemite
The fuel filter hose clamps I am using now are the exact ones shown in Altered's photo. I will see about getting one of those clamp (pac-man) type tools. Thanks again for the Help
Glad your sorting out things at your end.:thumbup: PS I managed to lose a clamp under my injection cover[Don't ask:shhh:] :shhh:took as long to fish-it out as it would have If I took the entire cover off...Then dropped it on the ground:bash:..Never did find it.LOL
Richard
PS Mercedes OEM tools are more expensive. I can not justify the expense, like most of us mob down under, we hunt up an exacting alternative.
Its very expensive to live in our country today. Snap-on tools sells these. just a brand name change, same thing.
DSC01501(1) (Custom).JPG
 
Last edited:

aeroshots

New member
Wadded up ball of duct tape at the end of the various tools/extenders. Saved me many times. Other wise I like the three pronged grabbers.
 

Top Bottom