Can anyone tell me if you can get away with not using the metal strip that covers the cam in the lifter galley on a '68 Olds 400? My genius buddy who restores Oldsmobiles and helped me install the intake let me forget about it. This is my first go around rebuilding an Olds. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Jay

 

Welcome to CO. I don't think mechanically the engine would not function if you left it out but since it is only under the intake manifold and carburetor it would be best to install it. It should only take about two hours to do it, probably less on a '68 since there won't be a lot on top of the manifold to get in the way.

 

I guess that depends....
Did you use a turkey tray gasket or not?

 

I would say you need to install it to prevent hot oil from splashing on the underside of the intake manifold. You want the manifold to remain cool.

 

Ask yourself a bigger question: why would Olds engineers add a part that cost $$$ to the assembly if it was absolutely not needed?

I think you know the answer.......

My bet is that the shield serves 2 purposes: First, it keeps oil from being slung up to the bottom of the turkey tray/intake manifold (prevents coking of the oil), and Second, it keeps the oil on the cam/lifters.

 

J-Chicago, yes I did use a turkey tray. Thanks for the reply

 

Thanks to all others who replied. My442- This is not the only forum that I asked that same question and have gotten a few replies, some say don't worry about it while others say it would be a concern. You however are the first to suggest that it helps keep the cam soaked with oil, which was what I was thinking and was one of my biggest concerns. Thank you.

 

Oil splash from the rotating crank counterweights will provide more than enough lubricant for the cam, even without the cover. Same answer I gave at AACA - don't worry about it.

 

is there supposed to be one on my 350? I have owned the car for 15 years now and its never had that cover on it. Never had any issue and at this point wouldnt feel the need to put one on.

 

Dont feel bad about forgetting that. When I was about 17 was helping a friend put a rear main seal in a 56 Ford. We were quite proud of finishing the job and had the oil pan back on...and went to the back porch to have a soda. We sat down then turned and saw the oil pump sitting there!

 

Oldsmaniac, I'll bet that both of you were bitchin on that one. This isn't the first time I pulled a bonehead move like that. Years ago, I finished rebuilding a small block Mopar and wondered why the car wouldn't fire, I forgot to install the fuel pump eccentric. Oh well, you'll have days like that.