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Unless you have some other sign of engine problems, noise or knocking..do not split the case.
You have the DPOs..dreaded previous owner(s).
Non magnetic and brittle..sounds like plastic or a fuel line. The port for the oil is too small for such a thing to migrate there from inside the engine case or get through the oil pump from the sump.
Therefore....it must have been installed earlier with the thermostat!
Could be an error, just dropped in during a routine repair..or jammed inside in an effort to open a failed thermostat.
As you now know..you have a bad thermostat..replace it.
Drive the car and see. It will probably be fine. Engine ran warm for sure..check your oil pressures and consumption.
Any strange knocking sounds..well, time to split the case. It is worth the effort to see how the engine performs after you do the work.
You need the new thermostat anyways.
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