what's this thing?

[sog-wap]

So I pulled my turbo to find an oil leak thinking that the grommet needed to be replaced. I found this (the hole that is circled in my picture), my question is why is it there and what should I do to make sure that no crap falls into my engine through this hole? thanks for the help.

 

[plywood]

It's there to drain the valley pan. Just runs down the back of the block in front of the bell.

 

[sog-wap]

thanks

 

[GenLightening]

You should make sure it's clear so nothing accumulates in the valley pan. After you clean it you'll see that it's actually a hollow bolt that holds the valley pan down.

 

[icanfixall]

Nice picture... The above is correct. Do not think its going to allow dirt and crap to get into the engine. This is a very poor design drain that goes down thru a casting and exits at the bellhousing flange. Then it spills out down over the starter. It cannot ever pour down the drivers side of the engine. There is a casting web that makes it only spill on the starter... Really bad idea. This nut is no longer made either so don't loose it. To remove or tighten it you need a 3/8 drive socket wrench and extension. When Ford discontinued them I bought 11% of the last stock so I have a "few" for a just in case issue. Sorry to tell you this but its going to be tuff finding that turbo drain grommet. Try a member here named Russ... He goes by typ4 and may have a few grommets...

 

[sle2115]

Nice picture... The above is correct. Do not think its going to allow dirt and crap to get into the engine. This is a very poor design drain that goes down thru a casting and exits at the bellhousing flange. Then it spills out down over the starter. It cannot ever pour down the drivers side of the engine. There is a casting web that makes it only spill on the starter... Really bad idea. This nut is no longer made either so don't loose it. To remove or tighten it you need a 3/8 drive socket wrench and extension. When Ford discontinued them I bought 11% of the last stock so I have a "few" for a just in case issue. Sorry to tell you this but its going to be tuff finding that turbo drain grommet. Try a member here named Russ... He goes by typ4 and may have a few grommets...

Someone also found a Dorman part number that works IIRC...

 

[rjjp]

Someone also found a Dorman part number that works IIRC...

It was Goofyexponent.

ON EDIT:
Dorman PN# 42344
http://www.oilburners.net/forums/showthread.php?t=54205
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjZMfmc3S-s&feature=related