How does floating oil pickup float?

Posted by Tobs On 2016/11/22 5:30:57

The oil pickups are supposed to pickup oil from the top of the oil sump and not the bottom of the pan right? I was looking at the oil pickup in my 53, and although it is hinged, I don't understand how it doesn't sink down into the oil by force of gravity. What really holds it up from the bottom of it's travel? Any air caught in the bell of the pickup would be sucked into the pump right? Then wouldn't it just slowly sink? Inquiring minds would like to know!
If there was a real float on the top of the pickup, I could see that holding the pickup at the top of the oil level, but there is not such a construction on there.
Anybody else ever question this?