Stupid engine mistake - any recommendations?

[80Zcorn]

I came to insert the hei distributor today when the washer is the bolt from the u-shape clip that is holding it... Fell inside...
I tried a magnet but it didn't work so after a couple of hours I decided to take off the oil pan. Maybe I'll have luck and find it there of have not access to the cam.
I opened the pan bolts and was hoping to remove the pan but I noticed that the crank counter weight is directed down-side and I don't think that it will leave me enough space to remove the pan. Don't think I can lift the engine that high when it is in the car.
And I'm afraid of rotating it so the cam won't catch the washer...

Any suggestions? Anyone had something similar?
If it's not possible then I think I'll have to remove the manifold/ heads...

 

[krabben1]

Id keep trying the magnet for awhile.
Maybe a flashlight/mirror combo to see if you can get a visual on it.

 

[djorgensen3]

Take the intake manifold off. It's more likely in the lifter valley. And no matter where the crank is positioned, you won't get the pan off in the car without lifting one side or the other.

 

[80Zcorn]

I'll try that.
I meant that as far as I learned - if the crank position isn't right. It doesn't matter how much you'll lift the pan won't slide out so it'll need engine removal.

 

[biker]

Id keep trying the magnet for awhile.
Maybe a flashlight/mirror combo to see if you can get a visual on it.

Best investment I have made for situations like this is a bore scope camera. They are cheap now, fit pretty much anywhere and have great resolution.
I agree with Krabben, magnet through the distributor hole should get it. Be patient, use a good magnet.

I have a small rare earth magnet shoved into a length of small rubber hose, a piece of copper wire in the hose lets me bend it any way I want.

I also agree that the intake would better to remove than the pan. More likely to find it in the valley.

 

[80Zcorn]

I tried a camera... Didn't manage to see anything...
I spent 3 hours with magnet on a wire... Didn't work.
Tomorrow we will decide if we will take all the engine out or try to reach it from the manifold.

Everything was perfect.... Mistakes happen but I feel so stupid...

 

[krabben1]

I'd have to agree with biker.Maybe that thing hit the rim and bounced into the lifter valley.
How about a strong magnet taped to a larger diameter zip tie?
They can be used for stuff like that when theyre larger,for fishing.You could sail back and forth thru the intake valley possible without even removing it.Just get one long enough for your mitt and to reach the front of the engine.
Also,for poos and giggles,did you check ever square inch of the bellhousing,top of trans,and any nooks and crannies on it?

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

I tried a camera... Didn't manage to see anything...
I spent 3 hours with magnet on a wire... Didn't work.
Tomorrow we will decide if we will take all the engine out or try to reach it from the manifold.

Everything was perfect.... Mistakes happen but I feel so stupid...

You are not the first person to do this exact thing. Probably not the last either.

 

[ULTM8Z]

Is the washer stainless steel? It may not even be magnetic.

 

[SPG]

Is the washer stainless steel? It may not even be magnetic.

Time to use gum on a stick