New to NAM, I bought my 2006 DS MCS in May with 79,000 mi. The other day I replaced my oil pan gasket and found this little piece in bottom of the pan. I was wondering if anyone might know what it is and if I should be worried, the engine isn't making any noises so and runs smooth.
Thanks for any input.

 

Looks like a valve tappet. It should be between the valve stem and the rocker. Pull your valve cover and see if any are missing

 

Ok, thanks I'll take a look.

 

Agree, but I'd have thought it would run poorly with essentially one valve out of commission. Definitely should check, but I will guess that he will find it was replaced already.

 

Yea,

That does not look good unless they replaced a rocker arm and dropped the tappet. Its held in with those caps.

 

I just checked the service records and they show there was some work done to the head at around 30,000, so the piece must have been dropped. I pulled the valve cover off and from what I can see there aren't any missing pieces.
Thanks for the input.