E30 M42 valve cover oil baffles

[iPee]

On the M42 there are two baffles on the valve cover. One is bolted on the other is riveted. In prepping the cover for powder coat I removed the baffles. In the tread below, the member said in theory the one that is riveted on can be removed and doesn't need to be put back on. I guess this would be fine for street. However I forgot to mention that I'm going to lapping days as well. I presume that it would be a better idea to put it back on. The member said it's purpose is to redirect oil back on the cams. Wouldn't oil just drip from the top of the cover back down to the cams anyway?

Picture for reference



My friend suggested a couple options

1) rivet the baffle back on
2) tap the holes and bolt
3) cut a baffle from aluminum sheet and weld back in

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=152691

[iwantspeed]

Usually the bottom of the valve cover is not powdecoated it would just be covered and masked before the process begins.

[iwantspeed]

[iPee]

Sorry should have been more clear. Cover has since been powdercoated, and the baffles have been removed already. When they were sandblasting it, they were worried bits of sand would get lodged in oil sludge inside the baffle and not be able to clean it up fully.

So I had the cover hot tanked, and it looked pretty clean, however I was still a little skeptical so I removed the baffle before bringing it to have it sandblasted and coated.

I probably made this more complicated than it needed to be.

[Fsnow]

I would just drill and tap it. Put a few bolts in with loctite and it will be fine.

[Matt-B]

The baffle exists so oil that is flying around does not go into vacuum lines, and fill your intake. I would leave it on.

It also helps the crank case vent any extra pressure back into intake.

Leave it

[roguetoaster]

OP is talking about the silver plate on the right, which is a cover over a void, so has nothing to do with PCV as far as I can tell.

Since we don't know it's actual purpose, it's best to reattach it, and as suggested tapping plus bolts seems the best way to accomplish that. If it's too much trouble you could leave it off.

[iPee]

Gues I'll give it a shot.


Thanks