Dipstick in the oil pan

[Jason]

I recently converted my 78 coupe to a Volumex with the aid of the ever-helpful Val Danilov down in Washington State.

After letting it sit for the winter, I went to check the oil and found that part of the dipstick had fallen off.

The engine had a retarded two part dipstick, and the lower part was joined to the top with some rubber tube. Probably a 4-6 inch length of wire has (I assume) dropped into the pan.

Fishing around with a magnet and wire, from above and below, has not found anything useful.

My question is (are):

1) I'm not intimately familiar with the engine design, could it be safe just to leave such a relatively large object in the pan until I get a chance to do more work? I want to get driving again!

2) Is there an EASY way to access the oil pan, besides dropping the engine or Hayne's insanely intricate 17-step process?

Thank you all in advance!!!
Jason

PS For those of you who read other groups: yes, I will be cross posting this Apologies in advance.

PPS Val has been very helpful - I highly recommend his services!

[Hamish]

Jason,

Say 'hi' to Val for me

In answer to your questions:
1. Aye, don't worry too much. Dipstick 'fatigue' was a common fault and most VX's have had bits of dipstick lying around in the sump and playing with the internals at some point or other.
2. No. But you might try lifting the engine a bit and going at it that way instead.....

Hamish