Topic: Do I really need this for the engine to run?

[Skonnie Boy]

I have a feeling is yes, but hey, you never know.  Lost somewhere along the way, during this arduous rebuild.  Its the bit that goes into the oil galley between the cylinder head and the jugs.  Sort of like a strainer? 

Might be a dumb question, just itching to get this done.

[Skonnie Boy]

To clarify, its the Oil Control Orifice.  Earlier heads apparently didn't have them, but smaller orifices.  Would leaving them off starve the top end of oil, since it would drain quicker?

[MCRider]

To clarify, its the Oil Control Orifice.  Earlier heads apparently didn't have them, but smaller orifices.  Would leaving them off starve the top end of oil, since it would drain quicker?

That is not a drain hole. That is the hole that oil comes up through from the oil pump to the cam. Its diameter determines the pressure of the oil and hence it is necessary. Not sure why they went from the regular hole to the removable orifice, maybe to make drilling the hole easier, then slimming it down with the orifice.

Anyway, i don't see any way you can run without it. Your oil pressure would be real low on that side and failure likely I'd think.

[MCRider]

There should be a matching one on the other side of the cam chain tunnel: one on each side in other words.

The cam bearings cover those holes. There is an ORing that goes around the orifice and is squished by tightening the cam bearings down on top of it.

[Skonnie Boy]

Yup, I've got one, not the other.  Removing the other would likely not make anything more workable, is what I'm getting from this.  Well, phooey.

Thanks, MCRider.

[MCRider]

Yup, I've got one, not the other.  Removing the other would likely not make anything more workable, is what I'm getting from this.  Well, phooey.

Thanks, MCRider.

You're welcome...sorry.