Help Identify! Broken Engine Part

[Broncoholic]

If your mechanic did not know what it was as you stated, you need a new mechanic. Pretty basic.

+1 on that. Pretty obvious it's a rocker.

Since we're talking about a 3V 5.4, I'm guessing this is a rocker for 1 of the 2 intake valves. That would allow it to still run reasonably.

 

[rjdelp7]

They can fall off from over revving, bad valve spring, bad oil pump, driving low on oil, using incorrect oil(too heavy) or oil thickening additives. A new one can put on fairly easy. Make sure the valve is closed first and pry it back in place. The valve spring pressure holds it in.

 

[jsdsm]

@Hoos95 looking for a follow-up as to what you actually found out on this issue. My 2008 EL has 328K miles and just started having a shutter similar to your original post description. Thought it was actually transmission slip and had fluid changed (was about due anyway) and hasn't solved problem. Seems to be getting worse everyday. Now thinking I have a misfire either due to faulty COP and/or possible fowled injectors. Again, high mileage, could be anything. Let me know if you ever got it resolved and what it was. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mikezr]

If that part comes out and is visible then you would certainly see the new breather hole it left in the valve cover so it's an old one