Well it can happen to any engine with that pump. Thats why us 603 owners cough up $350 for a new one. Because if the old one fails it dumps the bearings which snap the timing chain ect, ect.

I would drop the pan if it were mine though, I'd feel better knowing I got it all.

Bearing were all there...
 

The only missing part was about an inch long and it went to one side of the roller...it's fairly straight..I don't know if that would help or hurt as far as "it" being able to get all the way down to the pan. I'll post again after inspecting dropping the pan. Oil pressure seems fine so I guess even if it's stuck in one of the oil passages it's not a complete blockage???

Therefore, is the lesson: it is a good preventative measure to replace the vacuum pump.

If so, when?

You can do it anytime, but I don't think I'll touch mine unless there's a symptom, like unexplainable vacuum loss or abnormal noises.

I wouldn't replace the updated pump unless their were other symptoms like noise and/or vac loss.

Vacuum pump lesson recap
 

1. A vacuum pump can indeed sound like an injector problem.
2. Don't wait as long as I did in removing/inspecting the pump.

The mechanic's stethoscope test turned out to be really helpful. It definitely helped diagnose the problem. So far oil pressure and all other indications are good while driving. I'm going to drop the oil pan on the next oil change and hopefully find that other piece..:D

If you hear noise...Don't walk...run to the toolbox and get at it!!

Oops!
 

I will never recommend a good italian tune up again. Best luck in finding and removing the piece or for it to rest happily where it is. I hope you get it out safely for peace of mind.

My 95 E300 had pump failure @ 180,000 ruined the timing gear behind the pump.
Lost oil pressure @ 270,000 from using 15-50 in -15 degrees on start up.
Just replaced with used engine and that is a nother story and with all this I don,t think the pan can come off with out just about taking the engine out.
Put a big magnet on the bottom of the pan, I don,t see how it can get hung up on anything.
This is from experience

Greg,

Unrelated to this post, but I just noticed where you live....
If you ever need a hand on the weekend just give me a holler. I live off of Guy Rd. near the Middle School. mkallas@nc.rr.com

Klaus