MK1 sump plate removal

[Ellwood]

Hi, when replacing my distributor a few weeks ago, the hexagonal steel shaft fell down into the sump,( because i didnt shove enough grease into it)
Anyway i thought i could just drop the sump plate, but surprise surprise everything down there was too tight to totally remove it, I managed to squeeze in my hand and get the shaft out, but wondered afterwards how to get the sump plate off if necessary sometime. Has anyone else had this problem ? As i see it, its either loosen the gearbox bell house a tad, or maybe jack the engine back. its only a matter of a few millimeters, but a bit irritating.

[mb4ever]

What do you mean by a sump plate please Ellwood?

[Ellwood]

the oil tray under the engine

[mb4ever]

Would you have enough room if you undo the engine mountings, and lift the engine with a hoist Ellwood?
By the way, I simply call 'the sump plate' 'the sump'.