Broken Piece Question

[That90'sRanger]

Hey everyone, I just have a quick question. I found this broken piece when I was removing the valve covers as part of the process of replacing the lower intake manifold. I'm not sure what it is. I found it where one of the oil drains is for the cylinder head closest to the drivers side. I don't know how it didn't go through the drain hole but maybe I just got lucky. I appreciate any input as I don't have a lot of experience with these vehicles.

 

[gaz]

It looks like part of 1 of the 2 valve seal locks, each valve seal requires to seal and stay in place. Our 6 cylinder engines are dual overhead valve, 12 valves total, which require 24 valve seal locks.

 

[That90'sRanger]

I think you are right on the money. Now I just have to figure out how this thing got here. I checked and I have all 24 so maybe the mechanics who replaced my valve stem seals must have left it behind. Thank you for your help!

 

[mikkelstuff]

Oh i love it! Grubby hands just like mine. And the wife wants me to always wear gloves, ha!

 

[That90'sRanger]

I try to wear gloves when I can but I can't get the feeling I need with them on. I dunno I just need to feel what I'm working on but boy does that fast orange soap from autozone go quickly.

 

[Curious Hound]

I think you are right on the money. Now I just have to figure out how this thing got here. I checked and I have all 24 so maybe the mechanics who replaced my valve stem seals must have left it behind. Thank you for your help!


View attachment 97322

Your picture is it. It's a spring keeper. 2 of those get wedged down in that big washer and they fit in a groove on the pushrod. The spring tension keeps them in place.

 

[gaz]

@ericbphoto ,
Yes, SPRING KEEPERS...thank you for correcting me. I can't believe I called them valve seal locks