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BAFFLING A ZEPHYR SUMP

By Karl Schluter.

 

 

 

 

This is a plan of a baffled inline 4 or 6 sump. The sheet insert is of the same gauge as the sump sheet metal.

The sheet separates the oil from climbing the sides or front and back of the sump as to stop windage which is oil being hit by the spinning crank. This costs HP, raises the oil temp, as well as mixes air with the oil. I am featuring the above design as its less trouble and work than a gated sump.

The oil holes in the sump baffle should be around 40mm in over all size. Do make a hole in the baffle for the factory dipstick too. The oil level remains the same. The height of the baffle is not too important as long as it clears the spinning crank, which it will if installed as pictured and is above a full sump of oil. A section of the baffle needs removed for the oil pump and pick up.

 

Spot Weld Sump

 

 

This baffle design is being used on Ford OHC 1600-2000cc engines plus others like Ford V8s.

If you are handy the area below the baffle could be enlarged to hold more oil and a boss for an oil temp gauge installed. Aim for oil temps above 80 degrees as in my oil articles.

On my own car I also run a Moroso accumulator 2. This is a remote oil reservoir that operates off the engines own oil pressure, it supplies oil to the engine if the oil pump pick up is uncovered or a drop in oil pressure happens for a short time. I also use mine to pre oil the engine if it has been sitting for a length of time. This is better than any gated trap door sump as it reacts quicker.

It can be plumbed in at the oil sender tapping in the block.

For extra venting of a hi rpm engine I advise a twin breather set up on the rocker cover and a vented catch can off the side plate. Dont install a one-way valve to the headers or extractors to vent the rocker cover unless you are running an unmuffled exhaust system, as they not designed to work with any backpressure.

If running or interested in running a hose from the side plate to the intake as in my PCV article, run a PCV valve to prevent a sump fire in the event of a back fire. I also advise of some oil way and oil pump mods in my hot engine build up article.

 

Disclaimer: The advice and guidelines given in these articles are given in good faith. The owners and managers of the Galeforce Zephyr site will take no responsibility for any injuries or loss sustained while carrying out the described tasks and procedures or any consequences arising.  Please read the Safety First Article

 

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