tim a.

starting my 22re overhaul reassembly and having valve cover bead blasted.should i remove baffle under pcv.gasket set came with gasket for the baffle.will screws safely keep it in place.thanks for help

Georgiadave

I think you are referring to the flame arrestor baffle under in the valve cover. It also helps drip oil on the cam. It is riveted on. There is nothing to be gained by removing it and then reattaching it with screws. It is hard to clean under it, but really not necessary anyway.

algranger

how do you remove it though?

abecedarian

there are 'pins' cast into the valve cover which are then compressed and flattened against the baffle, in much the same way rivets are done. They can be drilled out and tapped for screws to be used to re-attach the baffle to the valve cover.
It's main purpose is to deflect oil mist away from the fresh air inlet, PCV valve and oil fill in order to keep oil from entering the intake (does a good job, no? ).

Pistonman

All the baffles I have removed for cleaning had large amounts of oil, goo, and crispy crap under them. A few were about plugged. I always take them off.