Plastic fill tube cap fell in transmission --- HELP!

[kerrymorris]

The plastic cap from the fill tube I was using fell into the transmission. I tried to both fish it out and flush the transmission with fluid, but neither worked and I cannot feel the cap. Is there a way to open the transmission without dropping it or is it possible to run the transmission with the plastic cap in it? The cap is about .5” x .25”.

[dr914jr]

I think you're out of luck for an easy removal. I assume the car is a manual. If that's the case I'd say drive the hell out of it. Worse case scenario the plastic will eventually prevent a slider assembly from correctly engaging one of the gear sets. At that point you'll need to remove the transmission and brake it down to remove the now melted, crushed, moralized cap. That being said, I'd be willing to bet money if the cap was small enough to fit down the filler hole you'll be able to drive the car to the ends of the earth with no ill effects. Just my 2 cents.

[Ahsai]

Can't think of anything easy. Maybe you can drain the fluid and use a boroscope to try to find it?

[wvicary]

I wouldn't worry about it. I have pulled apart transaxles and found the cone shaped caps from oil containers inside. Most of them have still been in one piece well a few have gone through the gears but all of them ended up in the differential side of the case. I don't think they caused any damage and the transaxles were pulled apart for many reasons... mostly to repair worn synchros.