It's amazing how well they hide. When I (like you, it seems) took my input shaft out a little too quickly, I had the same problem. I counted and recounted and swore I must have had the original count wrong...but they ended up all being there. I managed to get them out because I caught them before they went into the sump below the thin metal pan at the bottom, but I think your diesel idea may work.
I found two or three of mine hiding between the front of the case and the main gear cluster. Could not get a magnet in there. I think they are shy...
Best of luck.
Jim
