I was advised to remove the screen from the pickup tube, apparently lots of engines have burned up from clogs at that point.

Not a bad idea. I would rather have dirty oil to the bearings than none at all.
Thanks

The bottom oil pan has a screen section in the middle that the return oil has to pass through so the pick up tube gets clean oil. Remove all the screen and use 10-30 oil and you will have no problems. Remember you have to add 2 quarts of oil to the top tray before up bolt it to the engine. Also make sure you open the little return hole at the back of the gaskets that sends rear main oil back to the lower pan Walt.

[quote="Matt Faust" post=448]I was advised to remove the screen from the pickup tube, apparently lots of engines have burned up from clogs at that point.

Wonder if that was due to using non detergent oil?

Kerry- I don't think so. I think this more an issue of the age and increased likelihood of buildup and larger particles and buildup in the pan. Cheap insurance I guess.

Dave, if you are hot tanking this engine,and/or this engine is clean inside, I would not remove the pick up screen and/or the filter screen as Walt describes in the lower pan. This system works very well if it is clean. I use detergent oil in everything. If the engine has no been rebuilt or tanked,it will make the oil dirtier much quicker than normal,so change it regularly as needed. After awhile of this,the oil will become clean again. Also remember that the heat riser will cause the oil to get dirty much quicker if it is stuck in the closed postiotion and also if it is free,we have found that it will flap shut while the engine is running and cause the engine to overheat and create excessive pressure which blows pressure into the crankcase,thru the piston rings.

The reason the oil gets dirty quicker is because of short trip driving and blocks the center pick up area. Short trips does not dry out the moisture in the crankcase. Oil is returned in the areas outside of the screen and must pass through for the pick up to work. Leave the screen in the pick up tube as it is designed to work even if the screen is blocked. It sucks the center open, the little round hole and oil still passes through. Walt.

All good info, lot to learn about these engines!