Sump Baffles
The internet has thrown up the odd complaint of oil starvation affecting these engines. The internet is notorious for its ‘on-line experts’ but whilst the sump is off I saw no harm in trying to improve things a bit by making up some baffles to try to impede oil surge.
The bare transverse sump.
The standard set-up as shown above uses a simple plate across the top of the sump bowl as is common on most domestic vehicle engines.
Some more elaborate aftermarket baffle plates are available but there is no reason why you can't make your own.
The idea is to box in the area around the oil pick-up to try to keep it submerged in the oil. Through trial and error with CAD (Cardboard Aided Design), the required profile was achieved and transferred to sheet metal. A small clearance gap is maintained around the edges so as not to restrict sump draining during oil changes.
The finished article with hinge gates fitted made from undrilled stainless steel piano hinge, note the addition of a third baffle. The final assembly is riveted together to the original plate with solid Monel rivets.
The ends of the hinge plate are cut and bent in such a manner as to prevent the hinge pin from migrating out of the hinge and to also act as a stop to prevent the hinge moving too far at the risk of getting stuck open.
Installed - Looking forward
