Did I just screw up my 496HO?

I think the same, fire it up and give it a couple good revs. At .400 or more left the nozzle will find its way into the engine and become fuel.
The piston should smash it pretty good against the head. Plastic is butter compared to metal. A cycle or two and it is on its way out the exhaust.
One of the cheapest lessions you'll learn.
Brian

I think once it was in the piston it would be fine. I worried about getting through a valve. I worry about a valve seat.

I think once it was in the piston it would be fine. I worried about getting through a valve. I worry about a valve seat.
I am sure the lift is over .400. The cap will pass thru.
Give it a couple good revs and everything will be fine.
Brian

I would bet it went out in the small amount of time it took you to get to the key and shut it down. Don't sweat it.

I sent a red nozzle extension tube through a boat engine. It went right through. I never found it.
I think that a device designed to handle thousands of explosions per second can devour a small piece of plastic without much trouble.

I sent a red nozzle extension tube through a boat engine. It went right through. I never found it.
I think that a device designed to handle thousands of explosions per second can devour a small piece of plastic without much trouble.
.....and do it rather quickly.