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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?

I'm surprised that some of the great brains on this forum didn't jump on this. The best I can do is say it probably has sometime to due with surface tension. Plus the shape probably catches a little to keep it afloat also.
Best I can do.
Wes

Inspect that float CLOSELY!!!! There should be a rather large cavity in the float that is SEALED and therefore contains only AIR.

I'm not familiar with nor do i have a float for inspection for this particular engine. BUT, nearly all folats of ANY engine manufactured at ANY timee will have such a sealed cavity.

Law of physics:
An object is bouyed up by the weight of the amount of fluid it displaces.

Otherwise, a battle ship could never float on the seas.

Inspect the float CLOSELY!!!

Are u sure it even floats???? Maybe it has sprung a leak and if u shake it u will hear the oil sloching in it.

post some pics of the float. I doubt that it is anything special or unique from any other engine float. Look at it real close.

p-v8 is correct, there is a large hollow cavity in the pickup and the pickup tube passes through it. If you pry off the lower cover plate, which is a good idea in any event for cleaning purposes, you will see what we mean.

Ahh ha! Well, I closed up my oil pan already and tested my newly installed rear main seal. (No leaks, happy happy) so I won't be able to jnspect it soon, but I can imagine what you all are talking about. The pickup was light, so it was not filled with oil. I can certainly imagine how the "bell" -for lack of a better term- has the screen on the bottom, and then a double wall float in the top sheet metal part of the pickup/bell.
Another wonder of classic car technology.

I enjoyed following this topic. thanks for asking the ?
I hope we get to see some pics .....

From the July 1944 Service Counselor, and Packard called it Float-O Screen.
Wes

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For many years Packard, like several other Detroit auto makers, sourced their floating oil pickup devices from Taylor Sales Engineering Co. of Elkhart Indiana. One of Taylor's trade names was "FLOATO".

Man, this forum is just a plethora of knowledge!
Learn something new every time I come here.
Wes