Oil pan-oil pick up clearance

[Omie01]

I have a book that says the oil pickup has to be 1/4" to 3/8" from the bottom of the oil pan. My current engine build I have a Milodon oil pick-up that is JUST a 1/4" from the bottom of the pan. Does this sound OK? I am running a standard volume pump, and a 7 quart oil pan. Thanks gents!!

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

You would probably be fine- but If it were me I would bend the pick up enough to get to 3/8ths.

 

[Omie01]

Well thankfully I looked in there with a small camera tool, I forgot the end rubber gaskets add a little room, I think I am running closer to 5/16" now!!

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

you are golden

 

[mjlan]

I have a container of silly putty for occasions like this.

Let you inner child out and make a couple of silly putty 'towers' on the bottom of the pickup and install the pan. The towers will squash down and after you remove the pan you can easily get an exact measurement of your clearance.

I found with this method on my 460 that the Canton pickup was at an angle, which explained why on hard right hand corners the oil pressure would drop to 0!!!

 

[timachone]

I have a container of silly putty for occasions like this.

Let you inner child out and make a couple of silly putty 'towers' on the bottom of the pickup and install the pan. The towers will squash down and after you remove the pan you can easily get an exact measurement of your clearance.

I found with this method on my 460 that the Canton pickup was at an angle, which explained why on hard right hand corners the oil pressure would drop to 0!!!

THAT'S a cool idea ::thumb::

Thank you!

I will do that too on my next engine overhauling...

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

I use modelling clay in the same manner does a great job at checking valve clearances and even hood to air cleaner clearance

 

[Omie01]

I did the modeling clay thing, Thats where I got the 1/4" from, but I did not put the end rubber gaskets in, only the rail gaskets. The rubber gaskets actually raise the center of the pan a little more.! Thanks!!