Adding a Weltmeister Oil Trap (Tuna Can)

[Rob Kalis]

Good day all,

I was considering adding a deep sump or "Oil Trap" to my Type 4 engine.

The reason is that the oil light comes on when hauling ars thru a tight corner, because all the oil is either in use or has moved away from the pick up tube.

Does anyone know the height dimension of the Tuna Can?
I am concerned about ground clearance.

Anyone currently using a Tuna Can or Deep Sump? Does it solve the problem?

Thanks in advance
Rob

[infraredcalvin]

The tuna can sticks about another 1" from the bottom of the sump, i've had no clearance issues. I've had things hit the motor mount cross bar and not the can.

One problem i have, mine leaks, it's my understanding that there was a run of them where the pickup was a hair too long therefore not allowing a good seal, unfortunately I got one of those. I never fixed it it was minor, but it always bugged me. Now my car is in pieces and I plan to go to a deep sump instead.

just my .02 i know lots have used and not had any problems.

[Rob Kalis]

Infraredcalvin,

Thanks for the reply,
Just curious why you are going with the deep sump instead?
Thanks
Rob

[infraredcalvin]

I race with a few 914-4's and they're all using the deep sump with no complaints. It also holds a little more oil. Since i'm still a little bent by the fitment of the tuna can, i figure i'll go with what works... other than that, no "good" reason, i'm just quirky that way, if it doesn't work right the first time... then there "must" be a quality control problem, like i said, i'm just weird...

sorry if I didn't help much...

[URY914]

Deep sump for a T-IV?

I have one but they are not very common. Where are you getting it?

[sww914]

I have a deep sump on my race T-4 motor. It's the lowest part of the car and I've hit it on a curb a few times as I was starting to plow a field. If you never go off of the track it won't be a problem but I usually go off a couple times a weekend. I figure you don't really know exactly where the line is unless you've gone a bit past it.
I actually broke the deep sump at one point, I JB Welded the crack up and it works just fine.

[Slick914]

I have one installed on my car. Only part that might hang lower than the engine bar is the center bolt. You should be fine as far as ground clearance. Mine is sealed good and doesn't leak. I get no low oil pressure warning, but my car is only driven on the street.

Here's a couple pics of it...

[infraredcalvin]

Originally Posted by URY914

Deep sump for a T-IV?

I have one but they are not very common. Where are you getting it?

Our host sells them, also easily found on "other" common 914 suppliers. These are very common for the T-IV, but you spend more than for the tuna can. Probably why you see more tuna cans.

[URY914]

Let me clearify my statement....

They are an item that is commenly sold but not commenly bought and used.

[Joe Ricard]

Tuna can works good.

[infraredcalvin]

Originally Posted by URY914

Let me clearify my statement....

They are an item that is commenly sold but not commenly bought and used.

Figured that's what you meant, I was wondering (hoping) if you had something different that you could share...

Have you used the tuna can & which to you like better?

[URY914]

I use the tuna can. The way my header pipes are, the deep sump won't work.

Trivia fact:
Also did you know the tuna can was/is made both in steel and aluminum?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Early ones also used a stock sump plate as the bottom of the "can". I have one of those...

I think the oil pick-up extensions are all aluminum?

--DD

[ironhorse]

I recently picked up a 'previously owned' steel tuna can, but all I got was the can and bolt. Does anyone have a copy of the installation instructions or info on extending the pick-up tube, gaskets/seals needed ... and can tell me if the strainer relocates to the bottom of the 'can'?

[Rob Kalis]

I would suggest buying a complete kit (~ $50), rather than trying to get what you have to work. We are taking about oil pressure here, not something to mess with.
The pick up tube extension is a critical part of the kit. It has to be the correct length and have slots at the bottom to allow oil to flow thru. It also has a seal to couple it to the existing tube as I recall. Search the web and this site for pictures of the kit. I have been happy with mine. No more oil light on hard cornering
Rob

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Yup, there is an extension tube that comes with the kit. O-ring up at the top so it seals to the existing tube; hole through the bottom for the retaining nut (which looks like a bolt but has threads on the inside) and slots for the oil to get into it.

The screen is not used with the tuna can. Unless you want to do some creative cutting and such, it will not fit.

The O-ring goes into the extension tube. The tube slides over the old pickup. One gasket goes between the case and the oil trap body. One crush washer goes on the retaining nut (that looks like a bolt). The oil trap goes up into the area where the sump plate was, and the nut threads in and holds it on. That's it.

There is at least one version of the kit (sold by someone in Europe on ebay) that uses the stock sump plate for the bottom of the oil trap. Presumably you'd use a second gasket between the plate and the body of the trap in that case.

--DD

[ironhorse]

Well, good fortune - the seller found the missing piece, so I just need to locate the correct O-ring and pick up a gasket and crush washer

Thanks for the replies.