What is the purpose of the baffle around the oil pump?

[Gene F]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

Ford wanted the oil pickup to be shrouded so that it would pick up from low in the pan. Later engines in the V8 era were all shrouded as well but were separated from the pump by the interconnecting tube. The shroud insures that all the oil is screaned before the pump gears get it. Ford wanted a lot of screan area in those early years to decreae the chances of clogging.

Providing the owner changed the oil frequently. I have seen Kendal Oil signs (old ones) that tout it as being a 500 mile oil.