Valve Cover Baffle Interference

[basstrix]

I've got a set of aluminum valve covers (I think they're Motorsport) going on a set of heads using Motorsport roller rockers. I getting interference between the upper part of the internal baffle and rocker arm. I wonder if any of you have solved this by modifying or making a revised baffle? I'd like to have a baffle and I'm not inclined to get some other valve cover, just want to see what others have done, in this situation.

Thanks,
BT

 

[164runner]

looks like baffles unbolt, take out bend or cut as needed. use loctite on bolts to keep from coming loose. bought a set of M/T for a 351c had to make baffles for them

 

[Bentworker]

I had to tweak mine. I cannot find the photos of what I did, but in a nutshell I made the baffle sit deeper into the valve cover.

 

[Hemikiller]

Felpro makes up to a 1/4" thick valve cover gasket. Use magic marker on the baffle, space the valve cover up a bit and turn the motor over to see if it clears. The 1/4" gaskets have a steel core, so you could glue them to another gasket to make a custom thickness.

 

[Bentworker]

Found the pics.

The one with the stainless scrubber wadded in the baffle is the “after”

 

[boilermaster]

Basstrix,
I had a similar experience with my stock {power by Ford} rocker covers. I am running .588'' lift with Scorpion roller rockers.
Was able to use the 1636 rocker gaskets that Hemikiller posted up, they are .250'' with a steel core sandwiched in the middle.
I also had to do a little dremel work on the stock baffle {only on one side of each cover.
I have a thing about valve cover baffles {or the lack of } and also refuse to use push in breathers.
Guess I have seen too much oil sucked up by pcv valves with no baffles.
Boilermaster
Edit, .250'' thick rocker gaskets will need longer rocker cover bolts.

 

[Blayne9067]

I had clearance issues after using the thick gaskets and several attempts at grinding material from stock valve covers and baffles, installed STF-63930 valve cover spacers machined down to one inch, works good.

 

[jpaz]

I had the same problem and just bent the baffle out of the way.

 

[basstrix]

I had clearance issues after using the thick gaskets and several attempts at grinding material from stock valve covers and baffles, installed STF-63930 valve cover spacers machined down to one inch, works good.

Is that a CJ/SCJ valve cover or aftermarket? I wish someone made that style cover, including the extra height. I've got a 385 series build coming up and I really like the "flat top" look of this style.

 

[clevelandcoupe]

Is that a CJ/SCJ valve cover or aftermarket? I wish someone made that style cover, including the extra height. I've got a 385 series build coming up and I really like the "flat top" look of this style.

Did you look at the options on the Blue Thunder Parts website ?

 

[basstrix]

Did you look at the options on the Blue Thunder Parts website ?

Yes, the ones I've seen are styled in an inverse manner compared to the CJ covers. The stock stamped steel and the finned CJ's have a horizontal surface...same way with the finned 351c covers. That's the look I'm after. Will probably have to get CJ covers and the extensions like Blayne9067 has done.

 

[Blayne9067]

Is that a CJ/SCJ valve cover or aftermarket? I wish someone made that style cover, including the extra height. I've got a 385 series build coming up and I really like the "flat top" look of this style.

They are stock CJ/SCJ. I also wish someone made this style just a little taller.

 

[Blayne9067]

I had the same problem and just bent the baffle out of the way.

All of my rocker arm tips were making contact with the valve covers, even after removing significant amount of material from covers at all locations and using the thick felpro gaskets.

 

[tony-muscle]

I also had interference. I fixed it by hammering the baffle in that area. I then made the baffle opening smaller to avoid oil leaking out.

Found the pics.

The one with the stainless scrubber wadded in the baffle is the “after”

Great idea to add the stainless "scrubber". @Bentworker Is that Scotch Brite? How do you retain the scrubber in place?

 

[rcadd1ct]

I don’t remember where I saw them, but someone offered a valve cover spacer.

 

[Bentworker]

I also had interference. I fixed it by hammering the baffle in that area. I then made the baffle opening smaller to avoid oil leaking out.



Great idea to add the stainless "scrubber". @Bentworker Is that Scotch Brite? How do you retain the scrubber in place?

The shape of the baffle held it in place well. Removed the baffle, wadded a bunch in there and bolted it back on. Catches some of the mist and keeps it from going in the PCV system.


On the spacers Mustang Steve has a nice write up on going that route. It is on the Mustang Steve FYI forum. Basically cut an aluminum valve cover gasket and JB weld it to the bottom of the valve cover. Sand and finish it to your liking.