Dear Tom and Ray:

Two weeks ago, I was putting a quart of oil into my 1993 Saturn SL. Much to my horror, the little plastic ring that's supposed to stay on the bottle after you twist off the cap fell into the engine. It floated down into the engine before I could fish it out. I've driven it since then. How much damage do you think I'll do if I keep driving it? Any advice, other than to sell the car quickly? -- Brenda

Tom: Brenda, we're sorry for not answering your question more quickly, but it was accidentally forwarded to the newspaper's astronomy columnist. I guess he automatically gets all the question regarding rings floating around Saturns.

Ray: That was bad.

Tom: I know. And I apologize.

Ray: Selling it is a little drastic, Brenda. I don't think you did any damage.

Tom: That little ring is probably floating around at the top of the engine somewhere. It's unlikely to get in the way of any moving parts and break anything, although it may position itself in the way of an oil drain hole and keep some of the oil from draining properly.

Ray: That's not really a big deal, either. The real danger is if the plastic ring melts and plugs up something permanently. I don't know the melting point of that particular type of plastic, but it's probably higher than your typical oil temperature (which is around 300 F). And my guess is that if it was going to melt, it would have done so already, and you'd be writing to us asking about the price of Saturn's replacement engines.

Tom: So, if it were my car, I'd leave it alone. Then, next time you need a new valve cover gasket, ask your mechanic if he can fish out the ring, which is certain to be sitting someplace on top of the cylinder head. If he asks why you want a plastic ring, tell him it was your grandmother's, and it's of great sentimental value to you.

Don't get stuck with a lemon. Be an informed shopper. Read Tom and Ray's guide "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Secrets Only Your Mechanic Knows." To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1999 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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