so i would guess you had removed the distributor and the top
timing chain cover....

I just removed the entire front cover to replace the right plastic timing chain guide and it took about 8 hours.... it was a bear...

spend 1 buck and buy a magnet on the end of an antenna stick...

stick it down and go fishing...

fish on the inside of the timing chain.... there is a second chain going to the oil pump in the bottom... fish the inside of it as well...



I question if it really went down the timing chain... that space is about 4 sq inches... and it is blocked by the chain, guide tensioner and the cam shaft sprocket.... if you were fliping a nickle and had 100 tries i would bet money against you....

so search that car like crazy.... it might have landed down on the ledge between the radiator and car....


I dont think it is possible to remove that oil pan....there is a cross member it might be possible but i have not done one yet.... if you can remove it I would take a flash light and the magnate and fish from the under side.... and dump the pan and put a new gasket on it....