The fuel smell was most likely from vapor inside the UIM, happens sometimes when a car doesn't start when you crank it. The hole in the middle of the UIM inlet is the EGR inlet, it's connected to the EGR solenoid through the LIM. Stuff falling in there shouldn't hurt anything, but if pulling the UIM I would suggest draining some of the coolant out of the block just to prevent more of a mess, but it'll be fine if you don't pull it off. Make sure and let the TB dry out 110% before reassembling... It doesn't like having any form of moisture in it. Once everything is back together and running make sure to bleed all of the air out of the coolant system.