1955 Fordson Major Diesel Mystery Engine Part

[TechTeacherTed]

I'm a high school tech teacher needing a little guidance. We are overhauling an engine on a Fordson Major diesel (Ford engine). When we removed the oil pan, we found a part that looks like a rocker of some kind with a small spring. I'll post a picture. Can anyone tell me what this is for and where it goes? This engine also has a valve train noise that I think may be related. Thanks for anyones help.

 

[SkipperII]

Low pressure fuel pump lever?? Haven't had one off for over 45 years, so I'm not sure.

 

[Emiel]

Would be my guess too. Fuel lift pump cam follower.

 

[FordsonUwe]

Could be the lever. Now the mystery is who dropped it into the engine.
Just had a 64 Major engine apart and haven´t seen a part like this.

 

[SkipperII]

Probably just plain old metal fatigue let it break, and fall in on it's own.