Author Topic: 1984 Diesel Rabbit oil pump baffle question (first post) (Read 7318 times)

RabbitMainiac · « **on:** July 18, 2008, 07:21:36 pm »

wondering if someone can tell me what the purpose of the oil pump baffle plate is.
This is a plastic piece that is connected to the end of the oil pump, and covers the "screen strainer" .

I replaced my oil pan today, and the oil pump baffle broke off... the plastic clips that hold it in place were very brittle. I put the new oil pan on, but left the baffle off (for now) .... Will I create any issues by doing this ?

The engine (1.6L ) runs very strong and clean.... I've been working on it for about a month, and am pretty much satisfied that the engine and other mechanics are in good order.... now I'm going to move to the interior... ( I've got some 2007 Rabbit seats that I'm going to "fit" into the 84 Rabbit. )

thanks in advance for anything you can tell me about that baffle thingy...

Dakotakid · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2008, 09:36:35 am »

The word "baffle" tends to imply it's function. The little walled off area these plastic panels provide, help to keep a "pool" of oil in the vicinity of the pump pickup. Like during hard cornering with a lateral force. Or, perhaps, duing times of high rpms and much of the oil above the vicinity of the pan. This space also helps to "calm" the oil and give the returning oil (with a tendency to foam) a place to settle out a bit before it begins it's journey back north. Just the way I view it.

I do not know if the baffle is actually critical to the point of non-survival without it. I sure would keep the oil level at full if you choose to go without it. I am thinking I saw Arizona Autohauz sell these....can't remember.

RabbitMainiac · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2008, 10:22:43 am »

Thanks for the info.... your input helps confirm my "guess" as to its' purpose. Makes sense....

I checked out AutohausAZ. last eve... it appear that the only way to get the part is to buy the entire pump. But I'm going to phone them on Monday and see if they can help me out. I guess I could always try the VW ($$) dealer, but being so old, they may not carry. The VW part number is: 055 115 221B.

Just changed the oil (of course) when I replaced the pan w/ the stripped out filler plug, (previous owner) and put some high quality full synthetic oil in it, and intend to keep an eye on the level.

thanks ..... ( anyone else have an opinion ? )

Dakotakid · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2008, 10:31:30 am »

Adirondak auto parts? German auto parts???
SOMEWHERE I saw these sold!!!!!

RabbitMainiac · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2008, 12:50:30 pm »

this forum is pretty good, I'd say....

Found the oil baffle. The correct name is apparently a Oil Pump Restrictor Plate ... and it's purpose, according to the seller, is to prevent oil starvation... anyway... it's in the mail...

got it from: http://www.autopartsworld.com
$14 plus shipping....

jtanguay · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2008, 11:53:17 am »

it does help prevent oil starvation when going into corners. it would be the same idea as putting a baffle inside the oil pan itself, but this way is probably more cost effective. otherwise the oil will be pulled to one side when going into a corner (and giving it :twisted:) and then bam! the engine is starved of oil when it needs it the most.

you should also look into getting the 1.9 windage tray while your sump is off. that will further decrease the chance of oil starvation. in a nutshell when you see high rpm's the crank is whipping up a little vortex and the oil could get sucked in and whipped up, creating foamy oil etc. the windage tray separates the two as much as possible that allows for oil drain back into the sump. plus it comes with a re-useable rubber gasket :wink:

RabbitMainiac · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2008, 01:59:32 pm »

Hey... thanks for the info...

I've seen the windage tray available (Autohause, etc... ) but was thinking that it would be for a "hard driver".... ( but, I could be wrong... ) I just use the Rabbit to get to work, and put my fishin' junk in the back, on the weekends...

My "other Rabbit" ( a new one ) is on "Stay-cation"... (stayin' covered in the garage, quite a bit... )

You mention a 1.9 tray... is that relating to the engine size.... ? I have the 1.6 diesel... ( just showing my ignorance... )

TedV · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2008, 02:22:05 pm »

there is a plastic windage tray found on 16V gassers that has verticle and horizontal baffle but still clips to the oil pickup. It is a step above the stock verticle baffle.

the 1.9 metal tray also found on the 2.0 gaser is a metal baffle with oil pan gasket that goes between the block, oil pickup, and oil pan. It will fit on earlier motors.

some of us are a lil more agressive during our comutes and the windage trays are cheap insurance. :wink:

RabbitMainiac · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2008, 02:30:23 pm »

thanks....

Now I have another "stupid question".... If I get the windage tray, will I no longer need the OEM plastic baffle plate ? Does the windage tray attach to the bottom of the oil pump ( where the plastic plate "used to go" ? ) ....

or.... do I use them both....

RabbitMainiac · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2008, 02:43:23 pm »

Ted V....

after re-reading your reply....

I think you already answered my "stupid question"....
you mention that the windage tray attaches to the oil pick up piece....

( hey... I've had three beers since I got home... )

TedV · « **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2008, 05:49:12 pm »

in case you've had the other 3 beer :wink:

the 16V style replaces the OEM 1.6 clip on one

the metal plate tray with oil pan gasket you will still use the OEM clip on.

at the minimum, use the OEM 1.6 verticle baffle