BIG fuel pump problems
 

So went to replacethe mechanical fuel pump on my 71' type2. when i pulled out the intermediate flange the push rod kinda fell to the side of the hole. so i tried to put the flange back in and broke off a small piece of plastic that fell into the hole. when i tried to get it out it fell to an unknown point in the mess of gears and such that i saw in the hole. after a few mumbled cuss words i assessed the situation and i think i might have to take the whole engine out to access the place were the plastic fell. i hope this is not the case buti have no idea where to go from here, could anybody help me out?