'69 L68 Intake Splash Shield Cracked - Fix or ignore?

[Jack O.]

Hi everyone,

Sending my '69 L68 intake to Jerry MacNeish and when I pulled it saw that the splash shield had a crack. Talked to Jerry and he doesn't know of a replacement but said he could weld it. He also suggested I check with others so I'm checking. I attached a picture. Looks like it could have even been cracked when it was riveted down. Does it really matter? Doesn't look like the crack will affect functionality.

Also wondering if anyone else has ever seen something similar?
Are these available anywhere? I couldn't find it.

TIA,

Jack

[David H.]

Re: '69 L68 Intake Splash Shield Cracked - Fix or ignore?

Jack

Do you have intake cross-over passages blocked?

Dave

[Jack O.]

Re: '69 L68 Intake Splash Shield Cracked - Fix or ignore?

No, it's just stock set-up. I know the intake has been off before (I'm sure many times) but not sure the splash shield has ever been removed.

[Joe L.]

Re: '69 L68 Intake Splash Shield Cracked - Fix or ignore?

Hi everyone,

Sending my '69 L68 intake to Jerry MacNeish and when I pulled it saw that the splash shield had a crack. Talked to Jerry and he doesn't know of a replacement but said he could weld it. He also suggested I check with others so I'm checking. I attached a picture. Looks like it could have even been cracked when it was riveted down. Does it really matter? Doesn't look like the crack will affect functionality.

Also wondering if anyone else has ever seen something similar?
Are these available anywhere? I couldn't find it.

TIA,

Jack

Jack-------


This is really not a problem as these shields are not well-sealed to the manifold anyway. In fact, if the shield is removed you will find a large amount of carbonized oil caked on to the manifold and you will find that whether the shield has a crack in it or is completely as original. The shield could be easily weld-repaired, though, if you wish.

I recommend that these shields be removed and the carbonized oil cleaned. This will prevent carbonized oil from subsequently flaking off and getting into the engine through the numerous gaps present between the shield and the manifold underside. If removed, DO NOT reuse the drive pins to re-attach the shield. You could use new drive pins but I always drill and tap for small, short machine screws and install with Locktite.

The shield was once available from GM under GM #3919853 but was discontinued without supersession in September, 1981. As I say, though, this shield can easily be weld-repaired if you so desire.

[Jack O.]

Re: '69 L68 Intake Splash Shield Cracked - Fix or ignore?

Thanks for the info Joe. I definitely want it cleaned out and will discuss welding and attachment with Jerry. The worse scenario would be one of the fastners coming loose and falling.

[Larry M.]

Re: '69 L68 Intake Splash Shield Cracked - Fix or ignore?

Then drill and tap the holes for threads, and install with Loc-tite.

MANY (many) have done exactly this.

Larry

PS: I am almost certain that David S who advertises in the Driveline has a few available for sale. If not, then accept the welded one or put a WTB ad in the Driveline. They are available used if you search

[Jack O.]

Re: Thanks Larry. NM

Thanks Larry