Question: What is this?

[romeo294]

Hello everyone,

I'm finally putting my car back together after replacing the head gasket. The head/intake manifold are back on, and I"m starting to finish the rest; While doing so this piece fell to the ground on the passenger side. I have no idea what it is, can anyone clue me in on it's origin? Thanks.

[nando]

It's the centering pin for the timing belt tensioner spring. you definitely need it.

[romeo294]

Much respect.

[jgilber0]

Yes you’ll need it when you change the timing belt again. Until then put it somewhere safe. It’s only used to set the tensioner and hold the tensioner in place until you bolt it down.