>hmm, when changing my spark plugs today one fell out of the ratchet and back
>into the spark plug housing. i tried to get it out with pliers but only
>succeeded in pushing it back where i can't even see or feel it. i shrugged and
>put the new plug in, started up the engine and went to work. i'm extremely
>paranoid now. could that spark plug in there do major harm? how do i get it
>out?
>
>jonathan

        I do believe this is jonathan of retrowestie (and x-rated) fame,
;-) making this an early T4 engine. I did this once while checking out an
'80 Vanagon for a buddy. Took me half an hour to get the little bastard
out. Made the VW expert look a little stupid in front of both buddy and
seller...but saved buddy a wad of cash, as the engine was fried. You should
be able to feel it through the front spark plug hole. I got it out with a
pair of 90 degree angled needle nose pliers and a helluva lot of patience.
The angled needle nose pliers are an excellent addition to any tool box-in
mine they actually take the place of standard needle nose pliers. Akward
sometimes, but I'm poor. Mine are Craftsman/from sears.
        As to effect, probably minor, but there will be some cooling air
deflection, and I doubt that's very good for the long term.

Peace,
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Edmund A. "Eddie"  Hintz     **|**     "You may say I'm a dreamer,
Voice Major, UT Austin      *  |  *      But I'm not the only one...
<ehintz@mail.utexas.edu>   *  /|\  *     I hope someday you'll join us,
'70 Primered Transporter    */ | \*      And the world will live as one.
'73 Orange Super Beetle      *****      Imagine."
              Web page: http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~ehintz
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