Drained the oil and this came out!

I just changed the oil in my 74 Z1 today for probably the first time in a few years (I know, I know), but I just got it from my dad a few years ago and it hasn't been ridden all that much since it was last changed.
But when I drained it to my suprise this part came out from the drain plug. It is a small strip of metal with black plastic on both sides. About 1.5 inch long.
Can anyone identify this? The engine has been running well since I have had it, no noises or anything.

Post edited by: bLodi, at: 2007/05/15 18:09

Here is the pic.

my guess, cam chain guide

from the wear marks it could be a cam chain slider Maybe

It's probably part of the front cam chain guide. From the wear on it, it looks like the chain was whipping against it.

When they break, the chain jerks them into the pan.

Might try adjusting the chain.

How many miles on the motor?

Cam chain guide, don't run it like that, chain could jump or break and bend valves.

KaZooCruiser wrote:

It's probably part of the front cam chain guide. From the wear on it, it looks like the chain was whipping against it.

When they break, the chain jerks them into the pan.

Might try adjusting the chain.

How many miles on the motor?

I guess that makes sense. Everyone seems to agree here.
33K on the motor, never been rebuilt.
Where is this located at? Something the motor needs to be pulled for to replace?
Thanks for the help so far guys.

The top end has got to come apart, better buy a manual and a full gasket kit

this is from a magazine article on a Z1 engine rebuild:

Mine also broke off but I had to pull the pan to get it out. Jeff at Z1 has them.

Is there a newer/better design for them ?

They usually break right at the 90* bend.If the screw that holds it in place in the head is gone, you better find it before it tries to go between gear teeth or something else moving in your motor.