While fixing a leaking valve cover discovered there isn't a tube in the center going back over top.it is plugged. See picture. Is this ok? Thanks, Grady.
GradyB, A peek into a couple of Chevy Master books (1929-46 and 1929-53) shows the original oil connector to be GM# 838217 for 1937-39 engines. Below is a snapshot snagged form an NOS one being offered to give a visual on what it looked like out of the box. IIRC, the removal of the overflow tube/plugging of the port was often done to increase oil flow to the rocker shafts and rockers. If you are getting good oiling up there, it shouldn't be a problem IMO.
Others with more knowledge/experience will chime in soon I am sure.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
It was common practice back in the day to cut the tubing and crimp it off. More oil to the rockers yes, but also increased engine oil pressure by a few pounds. Of all the rockers I have seen over the years, only a few had not been crimped.
~~ Jethro 1954 3100 Back to Life In the Dity Gallery 1951 3100 (gone) / 1956 4400 (still in the neighborhood) / 1957 6400 with dump body (retired) / 1959 3100 panel (in the woods junked) / 1978 Custom Deluxe K10 / 1993 S-10 4.3 / 2004 Chevy Crew Cab / 1945 John Deere H / 1952 John Deere B / 1966 John Deere 2510 / 1967 John Deere 1020