Paul, re pick up tube to go with the wedge tank.   Originally I was
going to silver solder hard copper plumbing fittings to make this.
My logic was that silver solder is very strong and has a melting temp
of over 1000 º.  However, I learned yesterday that silver solder has
a service life that is quite short when temperatures are sustained
above 300º.  The words service life and pick up tube should not
appear together.  It has to last forever.   So I am back to steel or
stainless steel.  Can someone put  a magnet on the stock tube and let
me know if it is SS?  Is there any reason to defend against oxidation
at all  given the location inside the pan.  I am not looking forward
to building the bolt flange out of SS but what ever Mazda did will be
the standard.   Jerry

Jerry,
The pick-up tube isn't stainless Jerry - it's probably mild steel tube
coated in something to prevent corrosion. Personally I would think  SS would
be prone to cracking as a result of engine vibrations. Have a good  sized
flange on the end to prevent a vortex developing and sucking in air.
George ( down under)

Where are you getting your data?
Mild steel is more likely to fatigue and crack than stainless.
What engine vibrations? :) We now have two airplanes
flying with the engine bolted rigidly to the airframe without
benefit of rubber bushings. Perry Mick and Mike Perry.

BTW Jerry weld it inside the flange and not on the outside.

Paul Lamar

I  am not worried about vibration cracking.  I plan to make the tube
out of .049 4130 because that is what have in the shop.  The wall
thickness is heavier  than the stock tube  which I recall is
cantilevered horizontally several inches  and is heavily stressed,
while new tube mostly hangs vertically. with just a couple of gentle
bends.   Right now I don't think it will be welded to the flange but
rather tig brazed with silicon bronze. There are good reasons for
this. Much lower heat  is required.   And the finished product is
equal in strength with welding.       If it must be painted, (I hope
not)  I can have it powder coated, or provide painting guidance
gathered from the wisdom on this list.  No painting in my
shop.         Jerry

It is in oil all the time up to its neck Jerry. No anti corrosion
needed.

Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.

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