[RSSS1967]

As title indicates, I have already tack welded my pick-up to the pump body of my Melling HV pump, and when I laid the oil pan over it, I now realize it needs to be higher by about 1/4 inch to create sufficient clearance. Should have re-checked it before welding, but water under the bridge now. I have read that some engine builders say that the pickup tube can be heated and bent slightly. What is the best process for doing this, and how hot do I need to get it? Will a propane plumber's torch get it hot enough to give it a slight bend? Will this weaken the tube?

Only alternative I could see would be to take a grinder or cutoff wheel and grind away the weld to allow the tube to be rotated in the body of the pump, but not sure it I would be able to do this after the heat of welding.

Thanks for any replies!

 

[Rich-L79]

Cut the weld, reposition and reweld.

 

[RSSS1967]

Cut the weld, reposition and reweld.

Rich, it is a pretty healthy weld that I put on it - more than just a tack weld, but not all the way around either. It's a marine application, so I wanted to make sure it would not come loose with all the bouncing around it will take in rough conditions.

 

[Andy's Auto Repair]

Heat it up til it glows, and adjust accordingly. You are not the first to measure once and weld twice. Just keep the heat away from the pump best you can.

 

[Mike]

You did remove the pressure spring prior to welding -right?

 

[RSSS1967]

You did remove the pressure spring prior to welding -right?

Took the cover off and removed the gears. Cover has the bypass spring in it.

 

[RSSS1967]

Heat it up til it glows, and adjust accordingly. You are not the first to measure once and weld twice. Just keep the heat away from the pump best you can.

Do you mean heat the tube and give it a little bend (won't take much), or heat the weld? What should I use to heat it?

 

[Tom Mobley]

need oxy-acetylene torch. MAPP gas or propane won't do it. Wouldn't do it for me anyway.

 

[Middleagecrisis]

I did the same thing and used my propane canister torch to heat up the tube and get the 1/4" or so I needed. I did remove the cover/pickup from the main pump body prior to heating it up.

 

[Highway Star]

I bolted mine on so I wouldn't have this problem.