Plastic in Engine Coolant Reservoir

PlayByTheRules

Was refilling my engine coolant as it was very low for some reason. Only had it filled about a year ago. Car is a 2011 Fiesta.

When I went to put cap back on a piece of the plastic rim from the cap fell into the reservoir. I have tried to get it out but proving very difficult. It is in there somewhere.

Question is can I drive with this in the coolant or does it 100% need to be removed right away somehow for safety reasons? Also, could the plastic rim on the cap breaking like that be because it was overheating when coolant was too low before? I had driven it a lot not knowing coolant was so low.

Thanks in advance for answers.

5W30

If the piece of plastic is substantially bigger than the hoses going to the reservoir then it's fine. It won't get through the hoses and will stay trapped in the reservoir.

Is it the cap's gasket that fell in? (rubber bit around the cap).

PlayByTheRules

Thanks a lot for responding buddy.

Actually managed to pluck it out with a tweezer. Yes it's the cap gasket that appeared to have melted and a section of it fell in.

I have no cap gasket now, should I seek an immediate replacement?

Interslice

PlayByTheRules wrote: »

Thanks a lot for responding buddy.

Actually managed to pluck it out with a tweezer. Yes it's the cap gasket that appeared to have melted and a section of it fell in.

I have no cap gasket now, should I seek an immediate replacement?

That dodgy gasket could have caused your low coolant in the first place. I'd replace it if you think it's not holding pressure/coolant.

Alanstrainor

Yes replace immediately. And be wary of driving it far in the interim.

power pants

yes, I had similar and needed a new cap. Couldnt drive it but for very short trips in emergencies as the coolant gets hot and will leak from the cap