Thanks fellas.

Quote Originally Posted by sharpshooter View Post
The purpose of the washer is to keep friction on the front baffle. Without it, the baffle would just rattle around and make it harder to re-insert the bolt. The radius must be removed so that the washer will go up against the lugs, otherwise the washer will bind on the i.d. The early models had a squared corner on the lugs, so it was not necessary.
Fred, That is what I believe as well. I have a couple of bolts where I removed the washer and let the baffle just float. The lube stays on better assembled that way as Bill eluded to.

Bill, yep!

JW. The loose fit of the head/body and the slop of the head cross pin allow the float right. The washer is just there to make the baffle secure. In the stock configuration, refer to the wiper comment from bill. The old mod and the one Fred uses on his action work, where he turns the back face of the bolt and removes the Fillet/radius to accommodate the washer between the baffle and the head maintains a space for lube.