I bit the bullett and am pulling out my engine to overhaul. In the process I pulled the vacuum pump and cleaned it up and will revalve. (single piston type ) I found a very small and light weight spring less than 1/4 inch in length a small 3 pointed flat washer and a piece of plastic about 1/2 inch long. kinda looked like a needle valve. I really don't think this came from the V.P at all. Could it have been sucked into the pumr from the valve near the brake booster??