Tip - Oil Pickup Tube Height

-
JAndrea

JAndrea

FABO Gold Member
FABO Gold Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2016
Messages
584
Reaction score
556
Location
St. Paul, Mn
I found measuring the height (depth) of the oil pickup tube using a tape measurer a tad bit challenging. You have to use a straight edge across the block, then measure the tube height, then add the measured thickness, or actually stack, the multiple gaskets, windage tray, etc.

I read that Silly Putty works well when laid in the bottom of the pan, but who has that laying around?

This might be common knowledge, but wracking my brain brought me to rolled up aluminum foil. And it worked excellent. A bit of messing with the tube and I am about 1/4" from the bottom of the oil pan.

IMG_5599.JPG


IMG_5600.JPG
 
JAndrea said:
I found measuring the height (depth) of the oil pickup tube using a tape measurer a tad bit challenging. You have to use a straight edge across the block, then measure the tube height, then add the measured thickness, or actually stack, the multiple gaskets, windage tray, etc.

I read that Silly Putty works well when laid in the bottom of the pan, but who has that laying around?

This might be common knowledge, but wracking my brain brought me to rolled up aluminum foil. And it worked excellent. A bit of messing with the tube and I am about 1/4" from the bottom of the oil pan.

View attachment 1715089724

View attachment 1715089725
Click to expand...
G
 
I've always read that it should rest on the bottom of the pan?
 
I have used that method for hood clearance, works well.
I will keep that in mind for the next time I have to check the pump.
 
jos51700 said:
I've always read that it should rest on the bottom of the pan?
Click to expand...

I was only going by what I read here, which seemed to make sense to me, since, if it was resting on the bottom of the pan, it would easily pick up any metal shavings/slag that might find its way to the bottom of the pan. But I haven't confirmed that anywhere else.
 
JAndrea said:
I was only going by what I read here, which seemed to make sense to me, since, if it was resting on the bottom of the pan, it would easily pick up any metal shavings/slag that might find its way to the bottom of the pan. But I haven't confirmed that anywhere else.
Click to expand...

I think that depends on the design.
For example, a pickup tube with the guard on the bottom can rest on the pan.

312-P4529565.jpg
 
TrailBeast said:
I think that depends on the design.
For example, a pickup tube with the guard on the bottom can rest on the pan.

View attachment 1715089743
Click to expand...


If your pickup looks like this one that TB posted its only correct if it sits on the bottom of the pan. You don't have to pull the pan down with the bolts but the pickup needs to be touching the pan when everything is tight.
 
yellow rose said:
If your pickup looks like this one that TB posted its only correct if it sits on the bottom of the pan. You don't have to pull the pan down with the bolts but the pickup needs to be touching the pan when everything is tight.
Click to expand...

Excellent. Thanks for the great info everyone!
 
jos51700 said:
I've always read that it should rest on the bottom of the pan?
Click to expand...
not so, 1/4 to 3/8". My swinging p/u is about a 1/2" . I have never torn a stock engine down, chevy or mopar that had it on the pan !!
 
famous bob said:
not so, 1/4 to 3/8". My swinging p/u is about a 1/2" . I have never torn a stock engine down, chevy or mopar that had it on the pan !!
Click to expand...

Strange, every stock motor I've torn down did have it resting on the pan. For sbm, that's not very many, but quite a few jap bikes and a few other motors.

For a swinging pickup I can see why you'd need clearance
 
famous bob said:
not so, 1/4 to 3/8". My swinging p/u is about a 1/2" . I have never torn a stock engine down, chevy or mopar that had it on the pan !!
Click to expand...


The OE pickup is designed to be on the bottom of the pan. Lots of broken parts because guys didn't bother to learn how it worked and put the pickup .250-.375 off the floor and they thought they were sucking the pan dry.

The aftermarket usually designs their pick ups a bit differently, so those you keep off the pan.
 
TrailBeast said:
I think that depends on the design.
For example, a pickup tube with the guard on the bottom can rest on the pan.

View attachment 1715089743
Click to expand...

Yeah... I found several sources now where it said 0-1/8" off the bottom of the pan for this style. I'm sure everyone has their own ways that work for them, but I've changed my thinking to closer to the bottom.
 
JAndrea said:
Yeah... I found several sources now where it said 0-1/8" off the bottom of the pan for this style. I'm sure everyone has their own ways that work for them, but I've changed my thinking to closer to the bottom.
Click to expand...

Yep. :D
 
TrailBeast said:
Yep. :D
Click to expand...
read the old direct connection manuals. Tom hoover even told us that 14-3/8 was necessary to stop vortexing the oil on race engines, spefically hemi`s at the time. Never had one right on the bottom myself.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top