Ok, im rebuilding and engine and I got a new oil pump, and im using the old pickup tube, i was able to wiggle the old pickup tube off by hand and wiggle it so far on to the new pump, then I took a open end wrench and a hammer and put it on as far as it would go, here is what I need to know, should the pickup tube still be able to move around a little, like turned up or down? it is snug in the new pump but i can move it by hand. If it is not supposed to be like that what should I do to make it stay? Can I mig weld a spot weld? I dont have the engine back together yet, but I dont want to wait till its almost all together to find out I need to do something, thanks guys!

 

You better not be able to move it if you want it to be on there after you drive it... Weld it if you can, otherwise get a new pickup screen that has the ability to be secured with a bolt...

 

would it be ok to put a couple spot welds on the connection of the oild pump and pickup tube? I can weld pretty good, and i would not have a problem doing it, i just dont want to mess up to oil pump. The spot weld would just be on the body of the pump. Or any other suggestions, thanks!

 

The movement you describe is pretty normal, but it's always a good idea to spot weld or braze the pickup to the pump body. If you're brazing, remove the bypass spring first to make sure it doesn't get damaged by the heat.

Of course, make sure it's the right height above the bottom of the pan first, too.

 

I tack welded mine. The body of the oil pump is cast iron I think, so it's tricky to weld. Brazing might work better. Some people drill through the oil pump & pickup tube, then put on a spring pin or bolt or something.

I don't think it should move at all.