Mine popped out this fall when I did my oil change and it has been sitting in the garage since then. I have been meaning to ask folks on this forum if they know where I might get a replacement. If anyone knows please share a link. I imagine it is better to have it in there but unless you are getting a lot of water in your engine compartment it doesnt seem likely to cause a problem. On a jetski i would be more worried about it but on my 210 challenger the engine stays pretty dry but there is still water in the bilge area so my plan is to replace it if possible.