Valve Rocker Question?

[gpatton78]

New to the forum and was wondering if anyone could help me with a valve question. I have a 78 4 wheel drive F100 with a 351M motor. I am in the process of changing out the valve cover gaskets and realized when I took the valve covers off, that several valve rockers were missing the metal tab looking piece that, for lack of a better word, stands up in the rocker. I'm new to all of this so forgive me if my termanology is incorrect. Can anyone tell me what that tab is called, what it is for, and do I need to replace them if they are missing? This is my first post and I've tried to post a picture but not sure it is going to work. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[m78]

I believe those tabs keep the oil that flows out of the push rods, on the rocker rather than spraying on the valve cover.
Keeps the rocker lubed and helps prevent valve cover leaks.

 

[dustybumpers]

Yup. at some point someone replaced thos with aftermarket pieces.

As long as your gasket is good no problem