Found this in my rocker cover - What is it?

[karlbrad878]

Hi guys,

Just need a bit of help identifying this part.

I was doing a valve adjustment and this popped out of the rocker cover.

After doing some research it looks like part of a valve stem seal.

The engine is running fine, no unusual noises and it's only has 37k miles on it from new. It's not smoking either.

What's the worse case scenario if I drive it around with a missing valve stem seal (if it is that). It's my daily driver.

Thanks.

Karl.

[60ragtop]

looks like an old valve stem seal.
And none if it is an old valve stem seal. If you did a search as you say, that should have showed up
_________________
Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986

[Buggeee]

I've read somewhere you get better lubrication of the valve guides without them anyway.
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1966 Sportsmobile Camper https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
72 Super Duper http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=672387
(adopted out) 61 Turkis Pile https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=728764

[karlbrad878]

Ok, thanks for the input.

Karl

[scdevon]

Valve stem seals are pretty useless on these engines anyway and it's just one more thing to turn brittle and fall apart in the engine.

Most people just leave them out intentionally which is a good idea.
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1970 Beetle 1600 DP

[mark tucker]

Ive never seen one valve steel seal on a acvw. looks like you have possiably bolt on valve covers and that's a stud seal.I wouldent worry about it.

[57BLITZ]

The remains of a valve-stem seal . . .
look inside the springs and see if any other seals remain on any of the stems . . . if so, you might be able to remove them with a dental pick.
They are not critical and did not do much to "seal" the stem even when new.
As scdevon mentioned, they are rarely installed anymore.


Photos from TheSamba Gallery . . .

The book actually calls them "Oil Deflector Rings" . . . Shown as #5 . . .

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[karlbrad878]

You've all been very helpful. Looks like I won't have to worry. Cheers.

I'll see if I can 'pick' out the rest of them (if any remain) on my next valve adjustment.