Hi all,
I just picked up a 67 Cutlass , 330 2bbl.. Had a valve cover leak so I took it off to replace the seal and found some metal pieces on top the head.. I am pretty sure I know what they are but looking for help/confirmation.

they look like it was once a valve retainer lock, however I thought those had some type of ridge inside to grab the valve, and I don't see that here ( maybe worn our and would explain why it came loose )

anyway, will attach pic below..
Engine was running fine before this, start right up, run smooth, no rough idle, etc.. so maybe I got really lucky it hasn't dropped a valve yet.. knock knock..

any input greatly appreciated..

 

Those aren't metal, they are carbonized plastic. Those are the remnants of your valve seals. This is common. Expect to need to replace them at some point soon.

 

Oh.. phew.. thanks ! that makes me feel much better, and I just picked up one of the bigger pieces and can bend it like plastic.. Part of me thought maybe valve seals, but they seemed to firm at first..

Thanks a lot Joe !

 

The rest of the pieces headed for your oil pump pickup screen, to clog it.

 

Oh joy..

 

Only the small ones. The larger ones will stop at (and clog) the oil drainback holes in the heads...