Oil pump mystery

[Baz]

When I overhauled my 1982 2ltr (1977 body) engine I got a new oil pump to be fitted. Upon taking out the old one I found that the pickup half of the new pump was longer that the pickup that came out of the engine. Pump, otherwise, was identical. Sooooo the new pump would not fit, and I was told the old pump was part of some rally sump setup and this pump was no longer available. I removed the short pickup and joined it with the new upper pump (the old pump had poor pressure readings) Installed the modified unit and immediately the oil pressure was perfect...however, I now, upon startup, have a loud growling sound which appears to be deep seated, and this remains until the engine is warm, and from there on ok. I think this is some sort of incompatability with the joined halves. All of the belt drive components have been renewed, bearings etc. Have tried thick oils and thin oils..noise remains.

I wonder if it is possible to shorten a new pump pick up and weld the pickup mesh back on. Or does anyone know about this situation or even where I could get a new short pickup pump. Any help appreciated

[spidernut]

I had the same "growling" problem with a new oil pump that I installed in one of my former cars. Drove me nuts. Oil pressure was fine, but it would growl any time the oil was cold.

[Baz]

Did it ever go away ???

[spidernut]

No. It was a constant annoyance. I sold the car a few years ago because I had too many Fiats.