C1 Oil Pan

[Terry K.]

So, can somebody tell what this pan goes on? And what melling screen should I be using?
Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

So, can somebody tell what this pan goes on? And what melling screen should I be using?
Thanks

Terry-----

The oil pan you have is the correct configuration oil pan for your application. I'm not certain if the internal baffling is correct for a 1962 300 hp 327. I'm pretty sure it is, but I'm not 100% certain. No matter, though, since the internal baffling, which varied over the various engine applications for 57-62, has no bearing, at all, on the oil pump pick-up screen. The same screen was used for ALL 1957-62 Corvette applications. The last "incarnation" of that screen was GM #3764113 but it's now discontinued.

There is some serious confusion of the cross-referencing for this part number out there and I think that's very likely at the root of how you got the incorrect screen. Some sources indicate that the equivalent screens are the Melling 55-S3 (the one you got) or the Sealed Power #224-1346 I don't think so. I think the correct screen is a Melling 55-S or Sealed Power #2241146. These screens have a shorter "gooseneck" than the one you have and I believe they will fit your sump properly.

[Gary C.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

Terry, couldn't find a screen anywhere for the 57-8 283's Melling M46 oil pump or shaft last year, so had to reuse the old ones. Check the shaft and make sure it's the same length as the one you took out. Gary....

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

The pan looks very much to me like correct for 62 250/300 applicatio--three step, drain plug at the bottom. 340/360 would be similar, but with trap door.

[Terry K.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

I appreciate everyone chiming in and helping. I have a Sealed Power #224 1146 on order. Seems like this project is hanging on FOREVER!!!!
Thanks again!

[Mike B.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

Terry,

The attached photo shows the difference in pick up tube/screens. I believe that the Corvette is on the right, passenger car on the left. I was able to compare them as I made the same mistake and bought the passenger car version the first time.

Also attached is a photo of a homemade installation tool. It is an 8-inch, 1/2 in pipe nipple with a cap on one end and the other end double cut and chamfered. It took about 10 minutes to make and can save you from damaging the tube. I believe that the pickup should sit parallel to and about 1/8" off of the bottom. A drill bit of that size makes a good gauge, but don't forget to consider the thickness added by the pan gasket. The tube is an interference fit so you only get one chance!

Mike

[Terry K.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

Mike:
I am with you, but what is the part number for the one that goes a little deeper into the sump? I am pretty confident that the one I have on order is the regular old 283 oil pump screen.

[Mike B.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

Terry,

I was afraid that you would ask for the part number. I will try to remember to dig through old receipts at home tonight to find it. I thought that I purchased it through GMPartsDirect.com But by reviewing Joe Lucia's reply it sounds like that source has dried up some time ago. Hopefully I saved the receipt. Note that my car is a 1961 with the three-step pan. I am not sure if the pickup was any different between that and your car. They look very similar.

[Mike B.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

Terry,

I just entered part #3764113 into gmpartsdirect.com and got a hit. The screen shot is below. I guess that the pickup screen is still available. But I hope that you are not in a hurry as they are very slow on delivery. Maybe you can try the parts counter at your local Chevy dealer.

Mike



Search Results of Available Items*Prices are Per Unit
</B></SPAN> Page 1:</SPAN> 1-1 of 1 items
GM PART # 3764113
CATEGORY: All
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $19.80
OUR PRICE: $11.73

DESCRIPTION: SCREEN

[Terry K.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

Mike:
Thanks for the part number. I am goona try locally and see what I can find. If not I will go to that site.

[Mike B.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

No problem. Joe Lucia deserves the part number help; I simply lifted it from his response. In fact, he likely was the guy that helped me when I needed the same part number a few years ago.

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

Terry,

I just entered part #3764113 into gmpartsdirect.com and got a hit. The screen shot is below. I guess that the pickup screen is still available. But I hope that you are not in a hurry as they are very slow on delivery. Maybe you can try the parts counter at your local Chevy dealer.

Mike



Search Results of Available Items*Prices are Per Unit
</B></SPAN> Page 1:</SPAN> 1-1 of 1 items
GM PART # 3764113
CATEGORY: All
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $19.80
OUR PRICE: $11.73

DESCRIPTION: SCREEN

Mike and Terry-----

You know, I was surprised that I found the GM #3764113 to be discontinued when I checked it earlier. Well, as it turns out, I was one digit off when I looked it up and that's why I mistakenly found it to be "discontinued". I guess that's what happens when one tries to do something at 4:00 AM. As Mike has found, the GM #3764113 is very much "alive and well".

I've also done some more research on these screens, including digging out some NOS examples I have of the Corvette screen, GM #3764113, and one of the more popular earlier passenger car screens, GM #3754942. From what I've found, I think that I gave Terry a "bum steer" with the reference to the 55-S. I now believe this is the passenger car screen equivalent of the GM #3754942. However, their equivalents of this screen, Melling #55-S and Sealed Power #224-1146, both Melling and Sealed Power say is the correct screen for 57-62 Corvettes. Melling and Sealed Power are BOTH incorrect in their applications information. If in some other Melling catalog they say the 55-S3 is the correct one, they're incorrect there, too. I believe the 55-S3 is the 63-74 small block screen, equivalent to GM #3830080.

In any event, I now believe the Melling 55-S2 is the correct screen for your application. This screen is also known as Sealed Power 224-1346. It is very similar to the 55-S/224-1146 except that it has the "offset" in the tube. I'm very sorry that Terry ordered the 55-S on my recommendation but, as I say, there is a lot of incorrect information on this one and it's taken me a lot of effort to sort through it all. I hope the parts store will return the one you ordered and get the correct one.

One strange thing here: while both Melling and Sealed Power show many applications for the 55-S2 or 224-1346, neither shows ANY Corvette applications for it. However, I'm now virtually certain it's the correct one for all 57-62 Corvette applications and the ones they do catalog are incorrect.

A photo of the GM #3764113 and GM #3754942 is shown below.

[Gary C.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

Joe, one thing for sure that I know about oil pumps is that the '55-8 283 uses a Melling M46 and IS46 pump shaft. Melling doesn't make a pickup tube screen for the M46. Their on-line catalog (the link I had doesn't work anymore) used to show the M-55 was the correct oil pump from 55-59 for 283's. But I found out the hard way that the M-55 is too tall and the distributor will not seat properly - all the way down. Luckily a friend had an old Melling catalog and it showed the M46. First time I called Melling Tech Support who swore the M55 was correct. Second time I called I evidentally got someone who knew what they were talking about and they confirmed the M46 was correct. Just thought I'd share my experiences. Gary....

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

Joe, one thing for sure that I know about oil pumps is that the '55-8 283 uses a Melling M46 and IS46 pump shaft. Melling doesn't make a pickup tube screen for the M46. Their on-line catalog (the link I had doesn't work anymore) used to show the M-55 was the correct oil pump from 55-59 for 283's. But I found out the hard way that the M-55 is too tall and the distributor will not seat properly - all the way down. Luckily a friend had an old Melling catalog and it showed the M46. First time I called Melling Tech Support who swore the M55 was correct. Second time I called I evidentally got someone who knew what they were talking about and they confirmed the M46 was correct. Just thought I'd share my experiences. Gary....

Gary-----


Oh, yes. No doubt about that, at all. The 1955-58 oil pumps were different than later. Making the mistake that "all small block oil pumps are the same" has, I'm sure, "bit" more than a few folks.

I don't know of any source for the 55-58 oil pump pick-up screens.

[Terry K.]

Re: C1 Oil Pan

Gary:
You cannot imagine how much I appreciate the cautions that you give out! They save us rookies a bunch of headaches! I did check the intermediate shaft and they look to be the same length. The Melling IS-55E is the lower one in the first photo. It has a pinned collar and the second photo shows the actual length of the drive tab to be about the same. I also checked the top of the old pump and compared it to the M-55. The mounting to the rear main, and the drive extension, look to be about the same. So I think we are OK.

Joe:
My parts store guys said they would have to order the 55-S. Guess there are not too many guys buying parts for 283.327 anymore!!! I told them to hold off while I looked locally. I talked to the guy at Keen in Cincinnati (I live in the outskirts of Columbus) and they have what looks like the right one. So I should have it tomorrow. I do appreciate your sharing your knowledge and expertise!



It never ceases to amaze me how such simple projects can turn into such fiascos! But, with your all help, I feel like I am getting there! Thanks again!