Yep, nothing like a little surprise. Finally got around to removing the sheet aluminum valve covers and the rocker stud girdle so we could put the composite valve covers back on. Literally on my LAST poly lock and I would have been done. Well, it showed it's quality luckily sooner (now) than later (on the 400 mile each way trip in a week and a half...)
It's the sleeve part of a "poly lock" It's what is used to lash and lock down your rockers on a pushrod engine if you use studs. That is the top part where a set screw goes. When I went to tighten the set screw, the top just popped open as seen in pics. I guess I learned my lesson; buy ARP, Milodon, or other high quality parts. Pretty dumb that I bought these in the first place since everything else in the valvetrain is good stuff (Comp chromoly pushrods, Comp ProMag rockers, ARP 7/16" rocker studs, Comp titanium retainers, pacaloy dual springs...) I was in a pinch and this is what was available.
I'll post a pic a little later of where this part goes for those of you that don't deal with pushrods engines on a regular basis.