C3: L46 oil pump replacement

[Dan Pepper]

In the process of changing the timing set in my '69 L46 and thought I'd freshen-up the oil pump while the pan is off. I purchased a brand new Melling M55 pump for $6 (ebay deal). Here's the question:

Can I re-use the pump shaft and pick-up tube and screen off of my stock oil pump? of is it a different diameter than the stock unit?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3: L46 oil pump replacement

Dan------

You can resue the intermediate shaft if it's in good shape. However, you should replace the nylon (plastic) retainer. It's still available from GM for a pittance. You cannot reuse the pick-up tube and screen. That's because the tube is a "one time only" swaged fit into the pump cover. If you remove it and try to install it into a new pump, it will not fit with the required interference fit. Could you just "distort" the end of the tube to re-establish an interference fit or apply Lock-Tite sleeve locking compound. Yes, you could, but it's not worth it. Just buy a new tube/screen. It's still available from GM under the original part number and it's also available in the aftermarket. Just make sure you get the tube for 63-74 Corvette small block. It is NOT the same as the passenger car screen (as some parts countermen might think). The Corvette pick-up screen is Corvette ONLY.

The GM or aftermarket-equivalent screen will fit a Meling pump perfectly.

[Dan Pepper]

Thanks, Joe. Greatly appreciate the info. *NM*