SmokedTires

I just ordered a set of Brodix aluminum valve covers and they don't have holes in them for a breather/ pcv valve. Is there anything I should know before I start drilling in them ? I plan to paint them a matching color to my block (red) so I'll probably paint after drilling.

Any tips before I jump into this :crazy:

jpatrick636

My advise is: use a good sharp hole saw and "Cool Tap". Cool Tap is a typical cooling adjent for drilling and tapping. You should find it (or something simular) at a good hardware store, cirtainly at a Tool & Die supply. If at all possible, do it on a drill press. A large drill bit will cause problems because aluminium is so soft.
Beware of the type of breather you use as some will let oil leak out.


[Modified by jpatrick636, 1:39 PM 9/16/2003]

MIKER

Pretty much the same info that jpatrick provided. . . :iagree:
I've had excellent results sawing through aluminum using a generous supply of WD-40. Surely everybody has some WD-40 on the shelf! Without a steady supply of lubricant, the aluminum will sort of quickly melt into and fill the teeth of your cutting instrument (blade or hole saw).

SmokedTires

Great, thanks guys. I will mount it in my drill press and use some cutting/ tapping oil I have. :cheers:

JRD77VET

Here's a bit of advise from a machinist.

First, we'll use the "cheers" smilie for an example. You will be drilling on the right smilie and the "eye side" of the left smilie's head will go against the column of your drill press.

This way when you're drilling the valve cover in your drill press, if the drill bit should catch , it won't slam against the column and crack/smash the valve cover. This will also save your fingers, too :thumbs:

Make sure you wear glasses too :yesnod: You only have two eyes.

:seeya Jeff

69vette66

Also I cover the area with masking tape so the shavings do not scratch the are.
:cheers: Larry