Sump Oil Pickup

[jdfish]

While doing an engine rebuild we have noticed that the strainer on the end of the oil pickup tube is missing.

Rather than ordering a new part I'm thinking of fabricating a new strainer out of metal mesh and banding it to the pickup tube.

Or should I just leave the end of the tube open?

[molemot]

I'd keep the strainer....it stops all sorts of stuff from getting into the oil system. You often get small lumps of silicone sealant resulting from over enthusiastic application when refitting the cam towers...this stuff would be a swine if it got into the oil pump and galleries. First time I got into my engine the strainer had loads of silicone stuck all over it.

[andydclements]

The Jensen owners found the strainers fall off and have come up with a way to re-fit, I think it's send-off type repair but worth considering.

[jdfish]

I may just fabricate my own strainer out of mesh and wrap/band it around the flare on the pickup. It certainly won't fall off as I suspect the original did.

[Vulcan Grey]

On my 89SE the strainer assembly had fallen apart. The mesh and end cap were held on with epoxy originally!

Here's how I found it during the engine rebuild

I ended up making anew screen by folding a strip of stainless steel mesh in a vise many times.

And laser welding it to the cap

Then laser welding it to the pickup pipe

I also added some bars to make sure it was secure...

[jdfish]

Very well done Travis!

I don't have the strainer parts as the PO had removed it completely so all I have to work with is your picture no 1.

I intend to wrap stainless mesh around the flare and band it around the tube.

[Vulcan Grey]

maybe use a tea strainer and bond that in? Or the mesh protector for a 1960's CanAm intake trumpet?

[jdfish]

........I wish I had a few 60's Canam cars laying around in my back yard!!! That would be sweet...

We're going to use a strainer as you have suggested and fold it over the lip of the pickup tube

[Tony K]

Travis,

I've seen some cool things people have did when fixing their Esprits, but this is just plain AWESOME. Nicely done!

Tony