(G) Starter motor removal

Whilst giving my 2004, 1.1, Panda, a service I have managed to drop a spark plug down the back of the engine block and it is now sat in the crevice formed between the starter motor solenoid, engine block and gearbox.
I have tried various methods to try and fish it out but have had no luck.
I have come to the decision that my only options is to remove the starter motor and then It will drop down. How hard is this likely to be?

What harm can it do if you leave it there?

Did you try a magnet on a stick? Or even better a bit of microbore copper pipe that you can bend into shape bur is stiff enough to keep control of it.

Robert G8RPi.

You are right , but its the fact that I know its there. and it shouldn't be, if that makes sense

Yep, tried the magnet on the stick and a large lump of blue tack, but it seems to be wedged tight

Yep - knowing it's there would freak me too.
But a few potholes or sleeping policemen should shift it!

Been there, done that.
Best not to leave it there, when it moves it could short out the main battery cable to the starter, or get flung about by the rotating drive shaft.

Jack it up, make sure it is supported well. Crawl underneath and reach up onto the top of the starter and remove it. Need the exhaust to be cold. This is difficult and fiddly, but best way to get at it if the magnet won't work.

Removal of starter from below should not be too difficult. Disconnect battery first.