In the Best gasket engine set there is a oil pump intake seal that is felt #1153. Where does it go? My idea is that it goes somewhere around the hole in the screen.Thanks Ron Parker
I believe that later Cadillac introduced a felt washer that went between the pickup tube and the filter to reduce the pump sucking air. So it might be possible that later this was added to all the kits. it goes where the float is connected to the tube.
The Johnny
Thanks for the reply. The float ,screen and tube are all one piece.I still don't understand where I could put this . I thought it may go between the pickup and the pump to prevent the pump sucking air. Ron Parker
Feltz Terrill at Terrill machine had this gasket added to the set and it goes between the oil pump and the pickup tube. Ron Parker
Hi Ron,
I am working on a 1959 390 engine that uses the Best felt seal # 1153, also, so I assume that the oil pump pickup for the 390 is similar to the one for your flathead engine. Below are two pictures of my oil pickup float that has the felt seal in place. I hope the pictures help solve your location problem.
I have inquired of Best Gaskets if this felt seal is available as a stand-alone purchase (through one of their distributors) as the one I have needs to be replaced, and I feel it should be part of the oil pump rebuild kit, but is not.
Daryl Chesterman
The Best gasket set for a 346 has a oil pump plate gasket that should not be used.The pump did not use a gasket from the factory and this gasket will increase the end play on the shaft. The end play should be from .001 to .004.Too much end play will cause low oil pressure at idle. The felt seal prevents the oil pump sucking air around the pivoting oil pump pickup tube.I hope this helps someone,it took me a while to figure it out.Ron Parker
I had not seen that seal before. The gasket sets I used were mostly older left overs. Makes sense. Good info. Harry
Daryl,You could try calling Best Gaskets. The gentleman I talked to was very helpful. Ron Parker
Thank you, Ron. I did call Best Gasket and they referred me to Egge Machine, as a distributor, and I have one of the felt seals on the way!
Daryl Chesterman
Daryl, It takes some stretching to get it on and I oiled it up to help. Ron Parker