I was wondering what is the best way to install the oil pick-up on a 76' slant six engine, it will be going in a 1966 valiant. The thing is i have a manual for the 66 and it says there should be 1 1/8'' to the block, but when i screwed it in as much as it could go, there was still way too much space.
Also this might sound dumb but what does "cam break-in" mean. What i mean is should it only be done if there is a new cam or even if its just new cam bearings but same cam? I'm not sure...Thanks for any info

I suspect there are a wide variety of possible combination of pickup tube and oil pan. When I did mine (on a hydro motor) you actually had to bend the pickup tube a bit to get it to clear the crank counterweights, and even so I had to rotate the crank to be able to get the pickup in and out. When done, bend it back as best you can.

I also used some RTV on the threads.

As to setting the height off the bottom of the pan, somebody suggested you bend the tube such that the pickup actually hits the floor of the pan, then when you install the gasket it should have about the right clearance. I would suggest that as long as the pickup is close it shouldn't really matter all that much. If the oil level is down low enough to make a difference, you've already run out of oil.

As long as you don't go crazy, I wouldn't be afraid to grab the pickup tube and bend it where you want it. You'd have to manhandle it pretty hard to fold the tube enough to create a leak.

Kip

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1965 Valiant wagon Turbo slant (work in progress)
2000 Chevy 155" cargo van - The Abductor
1970 Newport convertible
1996 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
1966 CruiseAire motor home
1990 Toyota 1 ton box truck TURBO slant (scraped)

Hi 1966wagon.
You can find a lot of practical tips on engine building that you will not find anywhere else, if you take the time to read (with pics) from the FAQ in the engine section, under the link Best of Doctor Dodge. There is a lot on oiling there; pumps, pickups and pans with pics, theory and comments. Enjoy.

Olaf.

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Aspenized

Thanks olafla that is a great link and kipamore if i can't find anymore info then manhandling will be the next option...why not right?