How much junk can drop in an open dipstick hole?

Don't freak just yet. I had a vw vanagon that had metal bits in the transaxle for over 100K miles. Never knew where it came from but the thing didn't die. Change the fluid and go from there. If you are going to replace the tranny w/ a used one (in worst case) then just keep this one running!

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods