So my mating surfaces were sparkly clean and I was about to install the new intake gaskets on the lt1 when I noticed a problem. Three of the four plastic intake tabs had come off inside of the head. Two of them are slightly above but barely and one is recessed deep into the hole. I thought these things were supposed to stay on with the gasket because this has never happened to me, what a pita. Everything was running smoothly too. Any thoughts? I was thinking about gluing a small object that is similar in shape to each of them to try and pull them out. The only problem with that idea is that it would take a while for the glue to harden. help

 

Why can't you just pick them out with a small screwdriver? Heat them up a bit to soften them up and just pick them out.

 

That was my initial tool of choice. The problem is even a VERY small screwdriver is almost too big and it's not able to get underneath of it. I was able to remove them by using a small food skewer and piercing through them...haha. Hey, you have to be creative sometimes. On a side note, a VERY small hooked screw driver would probably work best for this situation. However, I didn't have a tool of this sort, hence me using the skewer.

 

When I meant "small screwdriver," I meant eyeglass screwdriver-sized.

Sometimes you just have to use your head.

 

Your tool box should include a set of mechanic's "picks"..... like your dentist uses. They are invaluable in situations like this.

 

Exactly what I was referring to. I never knew they even existed for mechanical use, thanks for the notice. The 2nd to last one would have worked perfect for this situation.

 

You can get even finer ones from medical equipment suppliers.... the cheap Pakistani rip-offs are more than adequate for working on your car....

http://www.indigo.com/images/product/21.jpg

http://www.indigo.com/tools/dental-picks-probes.html