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MG MGA - Dohicky in the oil pump cage

I was just inspecting the oil pump impellers (which look good) and noted that there is a quarter sized slug in the screen cage.

it appears that its supposed to slide around in there and perhaps end up under the oil intake.

Additionally there is a an area that has been intentionally cut in the screen directly below the intake mouth. The cut is about a 1/2" long and exactly the width of one screen seam. It was done very carefully with all the tag ends removed.

Anybody have any guesses?
T McCarthy

The screen should not be cut. Don't have a clue on the slug. Replace the oil pump during your rebuild, they are not expensive.
J Heisenfeldt

Check to see whether the slug is magnetic.
I suspect not, but if it is, you may wish to leave it in the pan.
I would get a magnetic drain plug instead, though.
mike parker

The slug was originally soldered to the screen and was there to prevent an inadvertent bottoming of the pan against something from crushing the end of the pick-up, which you will note has slight cut-aways at the sides.

Sounds like your pan HAS been bottomed and has had the bit of screen sliced away where the slug used to be soldered. That will make for an interesting repair technique. Maybe you can get some wire fished in there to trap the washer against the remaining screen and solder it (while working upside down?) back onto the screen?

Good luck.
Bill Spohn

Thanks Bill,

Hmmmmm sounds like I'm going to have an interesting soldering job ahead of me.

Magnets might be a good way to hold it.
T McCarthy

That is exactly how I got my car.That slug which looks like an electrical knock out, came loose and got sucked up to the pump inlet and promptly spun the #1 rod bearing. There it sat for over 10 yrs.Do yourself a big favor,dump it and get the later screen,they were changed for a reason.At the time,early '80's,I got one from UML.
Bill, my pan had no dents in it.I think what happens is that plug over time moves or vibrates causing metal fatigue of the screen and bang, too late.
gary starr

This thread was discussed between 08/09/2008 and 11/09/2008

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