I have a 2006 Chevrolet HHR LT. I bought it from auction and it had been badly BADLY neglected by it's previous owner. At 172k miles I replaced a TON of suspension and engine parts and it's now a pretty nice car except for the rust and this new problem

This morning the air filter/TB gasket I had ordered arrived and I went to go swap it in. The old gasket was hardened and I wanted to replace it. Upon pulling this out, a little plastic separator came with it then fell directly into the intake. The plastic piece I'm talking about is why the gasket has two airways. How do I get this out?! I'm really hoping I don't have to take the intake manifold off. I thought about a pair of 90 degree needle noses or one of those flex-able removal tools but the piece may be too big for the extractor to grab. It's about 3/4 the size of a credit card. I can't see it but looking at the manifold it's probably settled on the bottom right below the TB hole.

First post on the forum wanted to thank everyone for their help fixing this car. I've been following countless how to's on getting all the parts replaced but couldn't find another thread about this
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hmm, a problem for sure, do you have a grab claw tool?


Like this four claw 24” flexible tool


If that does not work, then it’s time to put the manifold off.

 

I do not but I will go grab one of those and a pair of the bent angle needle nose. Hopefully I can fish this thing out. If the manifold needs to come off I may just have a shop do that.

 

Do you happen to know what that separator is even for and if it's meant to be removable? I almost thought a piece of the manifold broke off but it does look removable for some reason.

 

I found this $37 borescope camera and I think with that and the extractor tool I should be able to grab it enough to get it out. Hopefully lol. Can always return it if it's a no-go. I'll try this once I'm off work today.

 

Can you get a skinny vacuum hose down there?

Ira

 

Hmm, that's a good idea too! I'll have to see if I have a tiny shop vac. I know I have the normal size one. I never thought of a vacuum!

 

I’m not remembering a divider or separation piece, just an oring gasket.

 

All I see is the O-ring.

 

You can always tape a smaller piece of hose(heater hose maybe) to the big vacuum hose.

Ira