Ugh, lost D6 radiator cap. Options?

[SJI Sailor]

I was checking the coolant on our D6-435 and dropped the cap which (of course) went under the engine and now can't be seen or felt.

I'm wondering: (1) is there a temporary workaround to cap the coolant reservoir so we can get underway? (2) how big of a problem is it if I just leave it wherever it went until it washes out or something? (I'm guessing not to do that.) (3) what is the replacement part? (I'll dig out the manual, but just in case someone knows off hand).

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[BB marine]

It is a pressure cap so I would not run without it under a load for any time frame. Replacement part is Volvo Penta part # 1674083. I would purchase a mirror and a coat hanger stand on your head and dig it out. I can't count the times I dropped something into that dark hole under the engine in my C26.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Thank you, Brian! That aligns with my expectation -- so we'll sit quiet until the replacement (on Monday, Coastal Marine here in Seattle).

Good idea to get out the little mirror, have been trying with inspection camera and no luck. Wish you were local to buy you a beer!

 

[RichBirk]

I was able to sweep my phone out from under the engine with a noodle split in half with a box cutter. We carry a trash picker on the boat for pulling things out of the bilge. This kind of thing seems to happen a lot to me.

 

[Catch22]

Mechanic's 24 inch flexible magnet for chasing metallic stuff down there in the abyss is always in the tote. A telescoping long shaft mirror ( bigger cousin to the dental ones)is great too.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Agreed on the magnet retriever -- often use that. This cap is all plastic, however. Also agree on the telescoping mirror. It let us barely glimpse the cap (almost exactly under the middle of the engine block, with only about a two inch gap on the side to try to reach through).

@Rich great idea about the pool noodle! I will try that. Ouch about the phone, but glad it was recoverable. I try to keep my glasses away from the engine room, too, when I have to lean over. (Or use a strap on them)

Meanwhile an update: ordered two replacement caps from Coastal Marine in Seattle. It is a 1 business day wait (unfortunately 3 weekend days ...)

I asked the factory whether it would hurt to leave the cap there until whenever it might surface. They said (1) probably not because it is plastic (a metal cap would be much worse) and (2) that another recovery trick is water pressure from a hose.

Thanks everyone, and get a backup cap!

 

[GaylesFaerie]

We carry a trash picker on the boat for pulling things out of the bilge.

I have one of those trigger activated long grabbers used in homes for the elderly. And yes, I qualify for elderly.

...24 inch flexible magnet...

Copy that.

...pool noodle...

Copy that.

 

[PanaSeaAh]

+1 for hose and a sharp stream nozzle. Worked great.