TIG Weld Oil Pump Pickup to Cast Pump

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I need to TIG weld my steel oil pump pickup to my cast iron oil pump.  I have heard this can be done and I wanted to know if anyone else has done it before with good success and what rod did you use?I was told a few things like only tack in three places, do not weld all the way around.  Also rod recommendations were nickel or silicon bronze.Thanks in advance.Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:I'd say clean it to the point of rediculous, and bevel the area to be welded lightly. Then, silicon bronze filler rod would be a good choice.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Isn't that a tube, set into a hole in the pump, in effect making a 360* fillet? Silicon bronze flows like brazing and will flow into the fillet nicely. (if silly clean, like Rojo said). But I think it will run around the tube so easily that 3 tacks may run together, not a problem.Nickel rods on the other hand, weld normally and 3 tacks will be 3 tacks. Be careful not to burn thru the tube, if you choose this option.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:I have installed a bunch of these through the years. Some customers specify full weld, If you decide you need a full weld be sure to disassemble the pump (remove bottom plate). Then take pin out of relief valve and remove spring and relief piston. Not doing this will do either 1: weaken spring and you'll have low/no pressure or 2: stick piston in bore and have so much pressure that you'll blow off the oil filter 3: by shear luck have no problem.Use a new pick up- its cheap. Pick up should be tight in pump hsg.I usually only tacked in a couple of places, being sure to tack where I could use cutoff to cut tacks if needed. Use 99ni, nickel iron rod, si bronze, 309, or OA braze it. Have tried each-and each one works.Peter
Reply:Follow the precautions stated above a few tacks with a mig or tig welder will due for a stock pick up tube. I've seen some aftermarket pick up tubes for deep pans that fit rather loose. that's the only time I'd do a full weld. I've seen people make tabs that ran from the pick up tube toa bolt hole of the oil pump. This method is used by some factory motors. I've also seen the boss of the pump drilled and tapped for an 8-32 screw. A screw and jam nut was tightened agaist the pick up tube.Tough as nails and damn near as smart