Help explain crankcase groove

[buster73]

While spending hours cleaning the crankcase (1980 3.0 SC, 930/09), I had plenty of time to focus on the many details. Stumbled across a groove in the crankcase which I am struggling to find an explanation for. Any idea what is the function of this groove ? Probably a hidden message of the guy who wrote the code for the CNC mill Appreciate any advice.

[Eagledriver]

I would say it’s to allow any oil that escapes from the hole to drain back into the case.

[buster73]

Originally Posted by Eagledriver

I would say it’s to allow any oil that escapes from the hole to drain back into the case.

Thanks, makes sense. It is pretty close to the case perimeter. Would be nice to have such "oil relief grooves" at all the critical sealing spots.

[r lane]

There is a note in the manual directing one not to get sealant into that groove.