Soooooooo let's just say I have this ummmmmm friend, yeah that's it.
While I was, I mean my friend was changing the lift pump on my...ummmm I mean his truck.
The gasket was really stuck and when the pump popped loose, the rod went clink clink into the oil pan.
So the question is, what should I....I mean what should my friend do now.

Thanks

 

1 quit acting ashamed 2. drop the pan and grab it

 

Some folks have been able to retrieve the arm with a flexible shaft magnet though the drain hole.
There is really no worry though, the screen on the oil pump pickup won't let it go anywhere.
Sort of sucks though having loose parts floating around in your engine...

 

Cool!!!!
I think I can do that!

KO

 

Okay, yeah I'm embarassed to admit I've dropped one. I simply drained the oil and used a flexi magnet through the drain hole, just like Bill described.