HELP! Piece of vacuum pump fell into motor
 

The vacuum pump on my 300D 2.5 Turbo (W124 with a 602.962 motor) crapped out about a week ago. Of course, I parked the car immediately so I would not incur any damage to the motor. I ordered the new part from Phil (only $279!!!) who had it across the country and at my doorstep in about 10 hours.

I went to install it today, and when I unbolted the old pump from the block the pump pieces fell everywhere. There were two little parts that landed on the timing chain. I knew these would be bad news if they went into the motor so I carefully went to pick them out with some tweezers. I got one part out, but the other fell back into the motor.

I haven't had one of these motors apart before, so I'm not sure where the part would have gone. I assumed that it probably fell into the oil pan. I drained the oil, and removed the access panel on the side of the pan so I could feel around in the pan. I found several little shavings and pieces from the old pump, but I did not find the part that I was looking for.

The part is small enough that it may have drained out with the oil, but until I strain the oil to find the part I think it may still be in the engine. I'm going to let the car sit for a day or two and let gravity take its course. Hopefully I can find the part then, but what if I can't?

Where could this part be, and what do I need to do to get it out of my motor? I need to get this thing back together soon so I can sell it. I'm leaving for Vanuatu with the Peace Corps Oct. 1!!!!

BEWARE I just had the same thing happen. DO NOT RUN THE CAR until you are sure ALL the parts are out. The parts from my pump went down to the bottom of the chain and chewed up the gear on the I pump. It was a major repair. Take a close look at the wobble plate on the gear. Mine got damaged and everything had to come out. Some of the gears were two piece. Mine was not and the I p8ump had to come out. Use a magnet to collect all the pieces, put them together to see how much is missing.
GOOD LUCK