Found during oil change

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by Jac Mac

Looks more like the tapered end of a 'flat' damper coil from valve spring to me, occasionally find one missing/broken off on teardown, particularly if the spring does not match retainer or spring seat correctly.

Yes, that what it is alright.

[1795]

If you have blown 2 intake gaskets, you might want to take a close look at the intake manifold. Mine went through several intake gaskets and we noticed towards the end that the manifold was not flat. If you put it on a bench it would rock corner to corner like a table in a cheap diner. Bought a replacement intake manifold and the problem was solved. No more intake manifold gasket problems after 10,000 miles.

[joey4420]

Originally Posted by 1795

If you have blown 2 intake gaskets, you might want to take a close look at the intake manifold. Mine went through several intake gaskets and we noticed towards the end that the manifold was not flat. If you put it on a bench it would rock corner to corner like a table in a cheap diner. Bought a replacement intake manifold and the problem was solved. No more intake manifold gasket problems after 10,000 miles.

Oh I hope that isn't the issue with my leaks... the initial leak was out of the front and only after driving it home 12 hours the day I bought it. Changed things and it leaks out the front and back. Changed again and just the rear leaks. I just think I didn't get the "Right Stuff" on thick enough. Prior to this the last intake manifold I had done was when I was in High School and changed the intake on my brother 76 chevy blazer. I don't remember it leaking, so I must have done something right.

[Dwight]

I have seen a couple of FE lifters break a piece off when the push rod was not seated before rotating the crankshaft.

[427sharpe]

I think the shard is definitely top end; i'd start there before pulling the motor. The gasket leak--just offhand, were the heads milled to boost compression? If so, the intake should be matched.

[joey4420]

Originally Posted by 427sharpe

I think the shard is definitely top end; i'd start there before pulling the motor. The gasket leak--just offhand, were the heads milled to boost compression? If so, the intake should be matched.

Sadly my knowledge of the engine is very limited to nothing more than it was an SVO short block ordered From Summit Racing in 1994. And the car only has 5100 miles per the odometer. The engine runs strong.

[427sharpe]

Well, if you pull the intake again use an angle finder to measure the intake mounting location and the intake itself--they should match. Sometimes you can dry mount the intake and just look; the intake will be sitting too high vs. the heads if the heads have been milled. I sure hope everything turns out OK--a bummer this happened to you!

[Karl Bebout]

If you find that your intake manifold is not "square" a decent machine shop should be able to true the mating surfaces for you. No need to charge out and buy another. My 2¢.

[blykins]

+1 to Karl...

If I had to buy another intake everytime the flanges were out of square, I'd be out of business.

[joey4420]

Went by the performance shop near my house, the part broke off of the valve seal clip. He said it needs changed but not a major issue. So I will call on thursday to make an appointment to get my car in. He only has one rack (the mostly build engines). Car on the rack (I should have taken a picture) was a late 60's GT500 RK. He also has an original 60's Cobra under a tarp. I will try to take pic's when I go back.

[ICCARS]

Originally Posted by joey4420

Went by the performance shop near my house, the part broke off of the valve seal clip. He said it needs changed but not a major issue. So I will call on thursday to make an appointment to get my car in. He only has one rack (the mostly build engines). Car on the rack (I should have taken a picture) was a late 60's GT500 RK. He also has an original 60's Cobra under a tarp. I will try to take pic's when I go back.

Hi, I am not sure if your performance guy is right, this might sound arrogant but that part IMHO is definitely to thick and the wrong radius to be off your valve stem seal, plus there is no reason for it to break even if it is Chinese made.. whereas the damper spring is subjected to fatigue and will break if not installed correctly. Either way, your mechanic will need to pull the springs off to replace the broken part, but I suggest you get him to look very carefully at the damper springs, as a broken damper spring may indicate worse to follow i.e. fatigue in your valve train.. I have been building engines with my old man since I was nine and I have seen plenty of damper springs and valve stem seals so the blackened finish indicates heat treatment and thickness of that part is in my opinion too thick to be a valve stem seal retainer clip. It will pay to make sure.
Regards
Wil

[Gaz64]

Yes, you are correct Wil.

I thought we all agreed this is a piece of damper spring, too thick and too large to be a part of a valve stem seal clip.

Personally, I've never run a damper spring setup, I run real springs, nearly always double, or beehive.

Damper springs like that are more prone to breakage.

[joey4420]

I will discuss with the engine guy and see what he thinks about cost. The only reason I say that is I have so much I need to get done to this car to make it and myself happy I need to watch spending at least till next month Kind of blew this month budget on airfare to mexico for 4.

[Jac Mac]

Plus 10 on above two posts... the old horse , water, drink scenario!

[joey4420]

Eric, my performance guy thought the same thing till he placed the piece against the valve seal clip and it matched perfectly. Then showed me the Spring he thought it was and it wasn't even in the same ball park.

[jhv48]

If it is a valve seal clip, it will be relatively easy and cheap to replace all 16 (or just the one if you really want to save money.)

If you have the right tool, you could even do it yourself. Check out you tube videos and you'll see how easy it is to do.

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by joey4420

Eric, my performance guy thought the same thing till he placed the piece against the valve seal clip and it matched perfectly. Then showed me the Spring he thought it was and it wasn't even in the same ball park.

I guess it is an illusion of a photo.

All good now?

[427sharpe]

You should go buy a lottery ticket!

[joey4420]

I have an appointment tuesday to get my car work on.

[Gaz64]

Can you post some more pics of damaged parts replaced, once the job is done?

Gary