pl2000n

I installed a new Melling oil pump and pickup and the engine's now all buttoned up, but still on the stand. I installed the oil pickup using an open-end wrench and punch. It's in really, really tight and didn't give it a second thought, but just read where some people tack weld the pickup to the pump. Obviously this is to prevent movement but wondering if it's a necessary precaution or not. The engine's still on the stand so now's the time to do it. I don't have a welder but know someone who does. I appreciate any advice.

TimAT

I always tack mine, but as you noted, they're usually really tight. I install the pickup, mount the pump with a fat wad of clay on the face, then set the pan with no gasket. Seat the pan and pull it off to see how far off the floor of the pan it is. If I need to adjust it, I do and recheck. When it's where I want it. a couple of quick hits with a MIG welder and done.
GM never welded one in FWIW>

ddawson

If not tacking use this.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pio-839061

pl2000n

Thanks, that looks like the ticket only it is listed for a small block. Are the oil pumps the same for SB and BB, hence this product will work?

Big2Bird

Tim. How far up from the pan did Smokey Yunick say to set it to keep it from cavitating?

TimAT

I set mine at 3/8. I think the manuals say 3/8 to 1/2. But remember, I have a Moroso pan and the correct rectangle pickup for that pan.

0Willcox Corvette

Tim.. while I think the drive in place is fine, I always tack weld them... just in case.

Ernie

pl2000n

Thanks all for you comments. I'm now sufficiently nervous with the "as-is" installation to do something about it so I will get it tack welded. I'm still curious if the retainer product, https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pio-839061, will work on the BBC Melling pump, M77. I'm guessing not but if anyone has any experience, I'd be grateful.

TimAT

I may be too cautious- I smear the end of the pickup with locktite, drive the tube in, adjust the height to the pan, and then tack it. The Moroso pickup I got for the Moroso pan even has a bracket that uses one of the bolts on the pump cover. So mine is a "press fit, locktited, bolted on and welded" pickup..

BTW-- I wear a belt AND suspenders.

flyeri

The pick up on my ZZ454 was tacked from the factory. It's still on the stand, and won't be too much work for the added peace of mind.

TimAT

The factory tacking one in must be a new thing- I worked in dealers from 1972 to 1988 and never saw one that was welded in. I don't recall ever seeing one that fell out either

lionelhutz

On one that would pretty much just slip into place, I cleaned it and used blue Locktite. Later, I removed it and it was a bugger to get out. I used the Oxy-acetylene torch and heated the pump cover until it was almost glowing to get it to let go. So, I just do it that way now.

I found the pump cast cover just doesn't tack weld with a MIG very easily or nicely.

USAFVeteran

I tack weld mine on my LS-5 I just did

fishslayer143

I have seen them come off.. they get tangled in the crank ..not a pretty sight...the noise alone will scare the hell out of you... don't risk it....WELD IT!

7t9l82

I have a melling select pump and a milodon pan. The pick up has a way to bolt it to the pump housing so I red loctited the tube and the bolt. Other than that I've either fully brazed or fully welded them.

chevymans 77

I've had one fall off that was tack welded in place, it laid in the bottom of the sump with no damage to the engine.

I made a bracket like the one in the link and bolted the new one in place with locktite

Must pumps are cast and do not take welding very well, brazing would be the best way to do it if you choose to tack it in place.

Neal

mikem350

DUB

I always braze the ones I install...and generally use Safety-silv 45 from Harris.

DUB