[TR] TR4 Crankcase venting pipe

[John Dunham]

Hi all,
Finally after 5 years of restoration my TR4 is on the road.  What fun!   I
do have a question for the list.  I neglected to notice during my engine
build that my crankcase venting hole (where the funny shaped pipe goes) has
been plugged with what looks like a freeze plug of sorts.  I subsequently
have a light breeze of air puffing out from underneath my crappy cork valve
cover gasket.  I don't mind the slight bit of oil spray on my distributor &
have since ordered a silicone valve cover gasket, but I am wondering what
is the best thing to do?
I can probably seal up my valve cover gasket & have air puff out of my
vented filler cap, but I am not sure if this is good.  I think the natural
air flow is for air to come in from the vented cap , thru the motor & out
the crankcase vent pipe.  Do I risk trying to get the plug out, trying not
to drill out any metal shavings into my crankcase?  I know there have been
some PCV discussions before but I am unclear on what the conclusions were.
I also see some fancy catch cans out there that sure look nice ( but may be
unnecessary for a road car)
Is there any harm I can do to running it the way it is?  The motor idles
great & runs strong as it is, but I don't want to impose any harm.
Thanks as always,
John D