Q: I sucked a rag into my intake, how do I clean it out without pulling the whole motor apart?

asked by on November 06, 2016

I had a rag in my intake that I didn't see before I put my carburetor on. And know it runs but backfires. How do I clean it without pulling my whole motor apart?

Hey there. The rag may only get as far as the intake valve and not get past it yet until the valve chews it up. You should remove the carburetor and using long mechanical fingers small enough to reach into each intake runner to see which cylinder sucked the rag into it. You should be able to grab onto the rag and pull out the rag. If you cannot reach and pull it out then the intake manifold may need to be removed for access to the rag. If you need further help, I recommend having a local expert inspect the car in person to assist with the issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Key won't turn
If your key will not turn in the ignition, then it may be time for a new ignition lock cylinder. As this often requires disassembly of the steering column and even the need for a new key, I would recommend...
Squeaking/Whale like noise
This type of a noise is hard to place given the fact that it is random, but I would suggest checking to be sure your power steering pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pump-replacement) has enough fluid in it as this could cause a whining...
Why does my car go forward in reverse?
Hello, the automatic transmission has 3 systems; electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical. What describe could be an internal mechanical failure with transmission. There also could be a hydraulic failure internal with transmission creating only the forward gears circuit to operate. The...
Car sputters and has weak power after new spark plugs and ignition coil were recently replaced
There are actually several possible causes for the engine to sputter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-sputtering-inspection). It is possible for there to be a vacuum leak, a faulty oxygen sensor, a catalytic converter that is starting to show signs of failure, or even a...
What is the code P0352 and P0351
Hello. The codes you are receiving are telling you the circuitry for those cylinders is faulty. Taking the corrective measures you have thus far were great, and they allow us to proceed with further inspection of other components. You will...
I have a Nissan Sentra 2011 and I noticed Security Indicator Light is always on when car is locked ? Is that normal?
Hello, thank you for writing in. The anti-theft system is absolutely supposed to be on when the vehicle is off and locked. The vehicle assumes you are away from it, and at this point it needs to be protected. Your...
Rough idle, fluctuating rpms, stalling
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is struggling to keep up with all of the different accessories when the engine is idling. This is typically due to an issue with the air intake, fuel intake, or the sensors...
can i use a 4L60E THAT CAME OUT OF A TRUCK WITH A 5.3 MOTOR AND CHANGE THE FRONT SHAFT OR IS THERE A WAY TO MAKE IT WORK
Hi Robert. Thanks for sending your question today, however, we're not really best to help you in this situation. We focus on only answering OEM service and maintenance tips, so you would be better served to seek the advice of...
Manual Transmission engine dies while driving
It is possible that there's a vacuum leak of some kind of near the air filter box or the duct that goes from the air cleaner box to the throttle body. I would recommend checking around those areas for any...

Related articles

What Causes a Car to Overheat?
Several problems can make your car overheat. A leaky cooling system, blocked radiator, bad thermostat, or failed water pump are common causes.
How to Buy a Good Quality Engine
Replacing Replacing an engine sounds like an incredibly expensive thing to do, but when you compare the cost of repowering or replacing an engine to the cost of purchasing a new vehicle, the replacement cost becomes much more palatable, quickly....
How Long Does a Carburetor Last?
The The carburetor combines fuel and air in the engine by using an intake vacuum supply. The air is pulled down through to the carburetor by the intake vacuum while fuel is siphoned from the carburetor’s fuel bowl. From here,...