I want to install AN fittings on my valve cover and run them to a catch can. I found a thread where a guy did this, but the info is limited.

My concern is that when drilling/tapping the valve cover, metal shavings will be trapped inside the baffling and there isnt an effective way to clean it out. Anyone with any ideas?

Here is the thread I was talking about with the other guy who did it. I did send him a PM asking him, but I would like feedback from others too.

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...an-system.html

 

If you scroll down to post #8, I guess that's the most info on how to do it. Make sure you drill above the baffle plate, and he tapped it for 1/2 NPT.

Shouldn't be too hard. Just be careful when you're drilling it. Use teflon tape on the threads.

 

Thanks, I understand how to actually drill and tap the whole, but what im looking for is how to prevent metal shavings from getting stuck behind the baffle. As you are drilling into the area above the baffle, how do you clean it out of the metal shavings? Do you take the baffle off by drilling the rivets and then re-riveting it back?

 

Personally, I wouldn't do it. If you insist, take the cover off (obviously), stand it upright so that the area you're drilling is on the bottom and have someone hold it. Then put some grease on the drill bit and tap. Going slow and cleaning the bit/tap will also help. I know guys who've tapped their oil pans for a turbo/SC return line without removing the pan, theoretically if you're careful you should be ok.

 

It is imperative that you remove your valve cover, when you are drilling it.

To the OP, as we discussed through pm's ,

you can either remove the baffle plate, or blow lots of compressed air into the valve cover. 1/2" NPT fittings are huge, and you will be able to get out ALL the shavings through those holes.

when you remove the valve cover, you will notice , small drain holes in the baffles, stick your air nozzle in those holes and you will be able to direct all the shavings out of the 1/2 " holes that you have drilled.

DISCLAIMER: DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK, AND ENSURE THAT EVERY LAST PIECE OF METAL IS OUT OF THAT COVER, IF YOU DON'T GET EVERYTHING OUT, YOU WILL DESTROY YOUR ENGINE.

 

In examining the baffling on a spare valve cover I have here, I was surprised to see how sealed off the vent ports are through this baffling. Would it make sense to use a big -10 fitting if it is so well baffled?

 

It is well sealed , but there are still relief ports in the baffle. If the relief ports in the plates were large, you would see alot of oil coming out of the breather ports of the cover, due to oil sling from the cams/ extra oil in the head after a high rpm pass.
just my two cents, which is also a reason why I am considering going towards a oil pressure regulator,, that would lower the level of oil going to the lifters, and keep more of the oil in my pan, vs a whole bunch of it , up in the head.