Gas tank filler lock fell into the gas tank!

Posted by Rscott77x On 2023/1/6 10:59:25

I was finally able to use a screwdriver to pry the shell off my locking gas cap that was frozen. I got the shell off but the lock mechanism actually fell into the gas tank. I bought some magnets on a expandable shaft and put it down the neck to try and use the magnet to catch the lock. But there seems to be a baffle at the base of the filler tube. My question;is there a baffle inside the tank that might protect the sender unit from being struck by this lock floating around in the gas tank. I pulled the gas tank before when I put in a new sender unit and I don't remember seeing any baffles. Is there a way I can avoid pulling the tank to get that lock mechanism out. Or, is it okay just to leave it in. I don't want it to damage that new sender unit. But I'm guess I'm preparing for the worst. I'm beginning to think the only way to get the lock mechanism out is to drop the tank and remove the sender unit so there's a nice big hole I can put my hand in.