Dropped a bolt and a washer under the airbox!

I had cleaned my air filter and, while reassembling the air filter box and bolting the fuel tank down on my 5th Gen, I dropped a airbox screw and one of the two fuel tank stays rubber washers below the airbox. They went down near the front, between the snorkel location and the frame.

I know they are both sitting comfortably in the ‘V’ somewhere but how do I rescue them without major disassembly of the throttle bodies. I have unbolted the oil cooler and have tried to sneak my fingers from there and elsewhere but there is just no room.

I was going to try shooting compressed air into the cavity hoping to blow them out and down but surely, I can’t be the first klutz to face this dilemma – I’ve only owned my VFR for 2 years!

So, please let me know if you have any suggestions, precautions or better ideas? Thanks,

Ken.

 

A small telescoping pen magnet works wonders Ken.




A flexible mechanical fingers is another handy tool to have in the tool box as well. Works great for "socket fishing". Ask me how I know. :lol:

 

Prior to starting any work with the tank up, place rags along the frame rails to keep any of the hardware from escaping during disassembly. Removing the airbox isn't too difficult, if it comes to that.



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A piece of semi-flexible wire (like a coathanger) with a small ball of duct tape (sticky side out, of course) attached to the end might work.

 

Can't get 'em ?? Order replacement parts.

 

High tech solution

+1 duct tape LGN001

I have in the past used a rule/screw driver with a piece of electrical or masking tape on the end.

I make a loop with the tape and have the sticky side facing out.

Attach that to the end of your ruler/screw driver/anything the right shape and voila....

Cheap and nasty. just the way I like it

 

Old post maybe, but anyone manage to sort this out? Also dropped the damn bolt on an air filter change, and the bolt is absolutely nowhere to be found. Too scared to ride the bike out of fear of it jamming something

 

See Post #3

1.) Do I know what I'm about to do?
2.) Do I understand the potential problems?
3.) Do I have a plan to mitigate the potential problems?
4.) Should I even attempt this?

Yeah, think before you do something. Fixes it every time

 

The bolt is most likely sitting snug and happy in among the many water hoses at the bottom of the V. Order a new one and keep riding. One day when you need to replace a hose or thermostat you can pull the old one out.