Mopar performance oil pickup P5007848 won't fit my 400 block

[WH23G3G]

Ok update. I think I may have correctly installed the oil pump screen. I cleaned the threads in the block one more time just to be sure. I lubed the pump screen threads and screwed it in straight and then when it go so tight I used channel lock pliers (not vise grips) to finish turning it. It marred up the finish and put some scratches in the pipe but no damage. I guess that would happen no matter what kind of pliers you use. After I got it turned two more times after it started to get tight it looked perfectly straight in in the correct position. I tested the windage tray, gasket, and the oil pan. It seems like it will work. It didn't hang on the pan or cause a gap. It let me bolt up the oil pan. I don't think there can be anymore adjustment on the screen because I'm afraid if it gets turned another complete back around into position the pipe will either bend or break. My big concern now is should I remove it. I'm following Don Taylor's Rebuilding the Big Block Mopar along with the factory 73 chassis manual and several other books. None of them suggest to put any kind of teflon or threadlocker on the threads of the pipe screen. I don't remember seeing any on my old one when I took it out. Even with the vibration of the motor I don't think this screen will be able to loosen up. Because I know if I turn it again at the base with some pliers it will bend it or break the pipe. Do I need to remove it and add any kind of sealant to the threads? My biggest fear is having oil pressure problems if I put it in wrong. One mechanic says you don't want the screen to be sucking air. So how do I know if the screen is just touching the bottom of the pan or is just above the bottom of the pan? I can't really see it and I can't really tell by feeling the pan. I know the pan goes on without hanging up. One machine shop guy said even if it was touching the bottom of the pan it should still get oil. So how do you check to make sure there is enough clearance between the bottom of the screen and the bottom of the pan? If you can't see into it. I tried looking through the oil plug hole but I can't get a good beam of light down there.

[firefighter3931]

You're good to go...don't remove the pickup ! If the pan clears there are no worries. You could check clearance by puttin a thin piece of wood on the pickup and see if the pan still installs flush. In my opinion you have enough clearance allready if the screen is not causing the pan to rise off the block. 



Ron

[WH23G3G]

I believe the screen is lightly touching the bottom of the pan. One of the engine rebuild manuals says the screen should lightly touch the bottom of the pan but not cause it to hang up. I can put the gaskets and the windage tray on and bolt it up to specs but I don't know if it will be totally touching the bottom of the pan flat or just lightly touching it. Do I need to put some teflon thread sealant on the threads? I removed the pump screen to clean the oil holes as best I could to go out any foreign material that may have got in there from the previous screens I messed up.

[firefighter3931]

It probably wouldn't hurt to clean up the threads if you suspect there is any foreign material in the pickup boss. If it's that tight to thread in you don't need any sealant. If you're concerned about pan clearance, simply bend the tube up 1/4in and call it good. 


Ron

[WH23G3G]

I think with the gaskets, RTV, and windage tray all installed it should just be above the bottom of the pan so I am going to go with the way it is. I dumped a quart of oil through the pickup tube hole until it came out clear. Now it's onto the rear main seal and then I'll seal up the bottom