What is this thing?
 

So, I was changing the oil last weekend - or at least I was trying to, until I found a rounded-out drain plug - but that's another story...

Anyway, when I pulled the belly pan, I found this thing (see pic); any idea what it is? It doesn't really look like it could be anything important, just wondering because, well - maybe it is, lol.

the cone shaped region says otherwise... but that piece most resembles the oil chain tensioner arm bushing.

precariously held in place an incredibly wimpy circlip, these tesnioners will eventually fail somehow, for more than one reason.

Your piece would have to be very evenly worn to be the bushing I am referring to.


Is it very hard plastic?

It's not rubbery at all, and is quite hard - I can't deform the hollow circle at the end at all by squeezing.

Also - does this part you're talking about have anything to do with the timing chain. That was replaced a couple months ago, along with the guides and valve cover gasket and everything.

Gaffanator over-ride valve? (used to regulate the muffler bearing tensioner):P

Whatcha working on? '37 Franklin, 2012 Prius? Can't be no diesel, those hands are too purty for that.

Ha! It's a diesel, alright - a '92 300D 2.5. But I worked on it several days ago - and I wore gloves!

But I'm afraid my status as an amateur hobbyist is revealed...

Looks tiny enough to be a valve guide seal.

Looks a bit like a shifter bush from a standard shifter.