I noticed a hole in the side of my block between the fuel pump and draft tube, had a red rubber vacuum cap in it. I found that it's one of the two holes that shoukd be used for a baffle (see the pic) that covers the draft tube hole to prevent oil from getting into the tube. Should I plug it and not worry, make one, source one?
1954 3600 Stakebed non-original engine out of a '55 passenger car with powerglide
That baffle is important to keep splash from the crankcase from entering the road draft tube and possibly finding its way to the outside. Put a post in the "parts wanted" forum, and somebody with a junk block will probably send you the proper part. I'm pretty sure all the stovebolt engines run the same thing, 216, 235, and 261. Fabricating something that the camshaft won't hit can be a challenge. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
If the baffle is still there, replace the missing retaining bolt as the baffle provides a necessary function and you don't want it to later come loose inside your block. Think possible major damage from that banging around inside with the moving internals - Yikes!
If the baffle is absent, do like Jerry suggested and post an ad in Truck Parts Wanted. I recall we recently had another Bolter find a replacement for his missing baffle plate several months ago.
~ 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)
Baffle is long gone. Will see what I can do to find one. Worst case is I fab one, old cam bearings are still in place and I can use the old cam to check for clearence without worrying about damage to parts. Thansks!
1954 3600 Stakebed non-original engine out of a '55 passenger car with powerglide
I see you posted an ad - Yay! I bet you'll get some offers to help soon.
~ 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)
Well, no one seems to have a baffle to offer over in the parts wanted section. Guess I'll be making one. The pic I posted shows it pretty good but not how big the gap is between the block and baffle. 1/4"? More?
1954 3600 Stakebed non-original engine out of a '55 passenger car with powerglide
As long as the camshaft lobes clear the baffle, the gap isn't important. Just make sure the cam lobes have enough clearance, and the gap won't be an issue. 1/8" or a bit more will be plenty to allow vapors to enter the road draft system. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
