big block oil pick up problems

[r_biccum]

I threaded my original oil pick up tube into the block as far as I felt comfortable with, tried to install the original pan, and the oil pick up is hitting the pan before the pan is touching the block. How far in should the pick up be threaded? I dont want to over crank it and strip the threads or split the block etc.. The pickup isnt bent and it is going right down to the bottom of the pan.. anyone have some insight?

[mauve66]

when i put my 383 back together in 98 i used a stock MP pickup that was WAY too long also so i measured the spot where it threaded into the block and then to the bottom of the pan, added 1 inch then cut off the rest, ya gotta be careful with the threads though or it won't go back into the block

[r_biccum]

Both the oil pick up and the pan are the original units from this engine, were working fine together for almost 40 years.... I can see in the pan where it looks like the pickup touched, like it was always very close to the pan, how much clearance should there be between the pick up and pan?

[Rolling_Thunder]

very little...     most of the ones i've seen have been barely touching or very very close to touching

[GreenMachine]

If you install a windage tray, that will move the pan further away due to the thickness of the tray and the extra gasket.

[r_biccum]

solved it. It was a combination of the pick up not being threaded in far enough, and it was slightly bent. But damn, do they ever sit close to the pan...

[aifilaw]

I don't remember ever not having to thread them all the way in, then bend them, and then sometimes cut the oilpans "windage tray" to make them fit

[Chargerrtforme]

Mine just touched the bottom of the pan.  The windage tray helped, but it's real low.  So far no problems with about 3,000 miles on it with a couple burn outs in there.

[oldkimmer]

.....................3/8 in is the proper clearance......2 much u run the chance of uncovering the pu, not enough will starve the engine at high rpm................kim...........