hp6500a plus duplex printing problem solved by a good flashlight and looking around

Sorry for MY confusion.

I found out where my missing part is supposed to reside by looking at the other similar item at the back of the paper tray.

I put the piece in, and it snapped in and the printer works properly again.

I used to remember the first thing to do is make a GOOD visual inspection when I taught power generation technicians.

I am hoist on my own petard.

Thanks for being here for us OLD guys who remember gopher, veronica, and archie - and text-only internet communication using PINE or similar software.

Sorry to mess up your board with my photo - 3x.