The Ford Barn

47Merc · 10-20-2014, 04:33 AM

I have just removed the sump plug on an 81A engine to do an oil change and was amazed to find what looks to be the oil pump pickup screen and clip hard down across the hole where the sump plug goes.

I tried to push it with a screwdriver to see if it would move but it will not.

Is this normal? I would have thought there would be clearance between the bottom of the screen and the pan.

If it is not normal, is there a chance that someone has installed a deeper pick up tube without checking the clearance and what do you think about running the engine?
It must have been like that for a while and I really don't want to pull the sump if possible.

Any comments and / or advice would be appreciated

Walt Dupont--Me. · 10-20-2014, 04:51 AM

I think you've got the answer, probably some one has installed 8BA oil pump and a truck pickup tube, usually you have to heat that tube and bend it up tom clear the pan. Walt

Ol' Ron · 10-20-2014, 08:55 AM

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How long has the engine been running? You don't need much clearance between the screen and the bottom of the pan. Quater inch would work, tho probably not a good idea.

10-20-2014, 04:33 AM	#1
47Merc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 362	81A engine query I have just removed the sump plug on an 81A engine to do an oil change and was amazed to find what looks to be the oil pump pickup screen and clip hard down across the hole where the sump plug goes. I tried to push it with a screwdriver to see if it would move but it will not. Is this normal? I would have thought there would be clearance between the bottom of the screen and the pan. If it is not normal, is there a chance that someone has installed a deeper pick up tube without checking the clearance and what do you think about running the engine? It must have been like that for a while and I really don't want to pull the sump if possible. Any comments and / or advice would be appreciated

10-20-2014, 04:51 AM	#2
Walt Dupont--Me. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gardiner Me. Posts: 4,200	Re: 81A engine query I think you've got the answer, probably some one has installed 8BA oil pump and a truck pickup tube, usually you have to heat that tube and bend it up tom clear the pan. Walt

10-20-2014, 08:55 AM	#3
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,859	Re: 81A engine query Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) How long has the engine been running? You don't need much clearance between the screen and the bottom of the pan. Quater inch would work, tho probably not a good idea.