Dana,  I think that dowel is there to prevent oil from going to oil
injection area and spilling back.  I recommend NOT putting it in.

During my last re-build I blew into that hole while there was oil in it.
Sure enough the oil squirted back at me from a little hole in the injection
drive area.  I think that is why Tracy recommends plugging the hole.
However, I also noted that when the cover is on, that little spray of oil
will be landing right on the oil pump sprocket/chain.  I believe it is meant
to do that to keep the chain lubricated.

So I installed mine without the dowel and have no problems with oil
pressure.

Dave Leonard


>
> In reading Tracy's book on rotary rebuild he mentions dropping a
> 3/16" dowel
> into the front cover oil passage leading to the pump drive after removing
> the oil injection pump drive.  I talked with Bruce who stated this is not
> nessessary.  Last I talked with Tracy this morning, he was ankle deep in
> coolant so I'm not bothering him anymore today:-).  Question, what is the
> reasoning behind this dowel and is it required?
>
>
>
> Dana Overall
> Richmond, KY i39
> RV-7 slider, Imron black, "Black Magic"
> Finish kit
> 13B Rotary. Hangar flying my Dynon.