Replacing Valve Cover and lost metal piece grommet goes on

[Jackie B]

Hey there,

I'm replacing the valve cover gasket on my 2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6 v8 AWD and I lost one a piece and don't know what it is called to buy a new one. It's the piece that the grommett goes on and the bolts go through when putting the valve cover back on. Its like a T shaped piece where the bolt can still go through. It's driving me crazy!

Anyone know what it's called?

 

[96firephoenix]

This what you're looking for?

 

[SyberTiger]

Yup, I did the same dang thing...I wish someone had told me that if the gasket starts to peel away from the valve cover to collect the valve cover grommet thingies or else if you don't and tip over the valve cover that gravity will create a problem for you. Mistake made, one lost...I have no idea where it ended up after spending three hours climbing all over and all under the engine with a flashlight. Luckily...they can be purchased individually on eBay RIGHT HERE.

 

[Jackie B]

Yup, I did the same dang thing...I wish someone had told me that if the gasket starts to peel away from the valve cover to collect the valve cover grommet thingies or else if you don't and tip over the valve cover that gravity will create a problem for you. Mistake made, one lost...I have no idea where it ended up after spending three hours climbing all over and all under the engine with a flashlight. Luckily...they can be purchased individually on eBay RIGHT HERE.

Finally! It just seems so odd to me that when I order the gasket kit for the 2003 explorer it only comes with the rubber part of the grommets. I wonder why the bolt sleeve isn't included anywhere? Anyways, I ordered the part so hopefully it will fit and I can finally finish putting the valve cover back on. Thanks for the help!

 

[SyberTiger]

It comes with a rubber grommet on the aluminum sleeve....just pull the rubber piece off and throw away and use the rubber grommets that came with your valve cover gasket kit.