Help! I dropped it down the...

[richard28]

While removing the thermostat from my 91 300e, the little round ball/valve fell out & down into the antifreeze in the housing. I will try to suction antifreeze out and then try to find & get the valve out using a magnetic tool. If I can't find it, can I drain it out? I have just "restored" the front end following an accident & I am afraid if I drive the car without getting this thing out I will ruin the engine. I hope MB anticipated something could fall down there and made retrieval easy. Thanks.