[SusieQ]

Originally Posted by b-man

I usually grind the pump cover plate so I can adjust the pickup to where I think it belongs, about 3/8” to 1/2” from the bottom of the pan at the lowest point of the pickup. It ends up sitting at an angle of course but not too severe.

Putting the pickup in the notch seems too high in my opinion.

I use either a ball of foil or modeling clay to determine the clearance. Never had any issues doing it that way.

My experience is with 13-second daily driver street engines and low 12-second bracket race engines usually not spinning much more than 5500 rpm using the 60 psi Melling pumps. Never welded the pickup in place or used any support strap.

I drilled and tapped the pickup tube and pump body where they mate to secure the pickup, 10-32 socket head cap screw installed using red Loctite. My latest engine (mostly stock/restored 421 HO) was built by a friend who prefers to tack weld the pickup, he has built numerous engines for himself and other friends with no issues so I had no problem with his method of securing the pickup.

Originally Posted by Richie Hoffman

i trim pump cover so i can get pickup height we’re i want it putting screen in notch makes screen a little to high

Upon further inspection, I came to realize that the cover plate lip at the notch overhung quite a bit, so I came to the same conclusion. But I still wanted to hear the opinion of the pros before doing any grinding so thanks for the input.

b-man, I fabricated a bracket to hold it in place. Scroll down a bit and you'll see pics. I'll be drilling holes in it yet to weld to.

Thanks again guys!