Dropped part question/problem?
 

Hey guys,

I was replacing one of the thermo-vacuum valves on my 380sl, and I accidentally dropper the old one down into the space between the rubber boot on the intake manifold and the outer part of the engine housing, just below the blue and white vacuum hose in the attached photo. It isn't magnetic, so I couldn't grab it with a magnet, and, needless to say, that just pushed it deeper, so now I can barely see one of its ears.

I'm thinking that it should be OK because it's lodged in a place that won't affect the throttle linkage movement, and it's on the other side of the engine from the throttle position sensor. So, If I'm not mistaken, there's nothing under there except for the rubber seals that connect the upper part of the intake manifold to the lower part.

Nevertheless, I just wanted to see what you guys think, as I'm afraid to think what I'd have to do to get it out of there, and I'm hoping it's something that won't affect the car at all.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Well, it's a moot point now, as the valve disappeared when I tried getting it out with superglue on the end of a flexible plastic rod -- after I decided there wasn't enough room to manipulate forceps or pliers down there.

I'm still thinking, however, that it shouldn't cause any problems because, AFAIK, the only thing under there is the space between the upper and lower parts of the intake manifold, and they're connected by rubber boots. So it can't get into the manifold, or interfere with any moving engine parts. Can anybody here confirm this?

I guess it could move around in that space, if it does manage to get in there, but, at least, the sides of the nut should prevent it from rolling around. So, hopefully, that's the worst thing that could happen??