What is the little paddle thing in the oil pan for...

[zyewdall]

I replaced the broken engine bracket (turned out I bought a new on from vwparts.com for $50, unlike the $300 that the autoparts place wanted for it) and smashed oil pan on my car, and it runs fine again.
http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4431&highlight=ooops  (what I did to it)

 However, when I took the oil pan off, it appears that I have broken the little plastic paddle thing that hangs on the oil pickup.  The pickup itself was okay, so I put the new oil pan on and filled it back up.  But, what does that do, and should I get a new one, or should I put my effort into welding a skid plate together instead.

Zeke

[SMOKEYDUB]

that just helps the oil stay around the sump. mostly affective when cornering and helps keep the splash down on the crank. if i broke one i would definetly replace it after all lubricating your engine is a good thing right?lol. i wouldnt be super worried about it right away but i would do it soon.

[Master ACiD]

what is it like a baffle system? just dont do any extreme cornering.

[zyewdall]

It's more like just one baffle, but I can see how it could help with cornering, keeping the oil from sloshing to one side quite so much.   Actually, since probably half my driving is up and down the canyon, which has lots and lots of corners, perhaps I better replace it....  It doesn't have a VW part number stamped on it though, so I'm not even sure what to order....

[zooky]

I think I have the one from my old pump if you want it