Oil Return Pipe

['31 Patina]

I put a new valve cover gastket on my '31 and I also figured I would replace the oil return pipe gaskets at the same time.

After installing the new oil return gaskets I'm wondering if the oil return pipe is supposed to fit flush up to the two spots it mounts to. The new gaskets are thicker than the ones I replaced so when I put it all back together there is a little gap between the pipe and the valve cover where the one end mounts to. The screws on each end of the pipe are tight but I can see a little bit of the gasket which makes up the gap in between the pipe and mounting spot. Is this okay or is oil going to leak out when I go to start it up? I'm thinking the gaskets will swell up and prevent oil from coming out? Or should the pipe be flush to the mouting spots with no gap at all?

Thanks.

 

[Steve Plucker]

Mr., Mrs., or Ms. 31 Patina,

Mine has always been as yours and I think it is suposed to be that way.

Think about it...If the oil return line came up flush with the valve cover and the engine block, I am 100% sure you would get some leakage at one point or the other down the road.

The extra gap kind of gives these areas some "cushion" just incase you need to tighten the two bolts up just slightly to prevent that little drip of oil otherwise you could not!

You put the copper washers on the bolts (no lockwashers here) did you not?

Pluck

 

['31 Patina]

Mr. 31 Patina,

Mine has always been as yours and I think it is suposed to be that way.

Think about it...If the oil return line came up flush with the valve cover and the engine block, I am 100% sure you would get some leakage at one point or the other down the road.

The extra gap kind of gives these areas some "cushion" just incase you need to tighten the two bolts up just slightly to prevent that little drip of oil otherwise you could not!

You put the copper washers on the bolts (no lockwashers here) did you not?

Pluck

Thanks Pluck!

I just wanted to make sure the gap was normal before I started it up. I'm new to this car so I'm learning as I go.

I did put the copper washers on the bolts.

Thanks again!

 

[Big John]

If you tighten the two bolts on the oil return pipe, too tight, you could break the threaded cast iron part on the block very easily, leaving you in a distress time... be careful.....