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Posted by: euro911 Aug 28 2012, 01:52 AM

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 or seals needed ... and can tell me if the strainer relocates down to the bottom of the 'can'?

Posted by: ejm Aug 28 2012, 04:07 AM

No strainer, one gasket and you'll need to get a pickup extension from somewhere

Posted by: KaptKaos Aug 28 2012, 07:51 AM

mark - there is a guy in the UK that makes a sweet billet tuna can. I am talking with him about them. Remind me to show you tonight.

Posted by: tradisrad Aug 28 2012, 08:30 AM

I modified my strainer to use it with the tuna can. Dont forget the new gasket and what ever you do DONT over tighten it.

Posted by: SLITS Aug 28 2012, 08:31 AM

Did you take the tuna out of the can first?

Posted by: KaptKaos Aug 28 2012, 08:53 AM

Thinking about putting together a group buy on these:

Billet Sump



Taco Plate



Links:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=978326

and

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1251577

The guy is out of the UK, but is open to making a deal. Thoughts?

Posted by: gothspeed Aug 28 2012, 08:57 AM

Group buy is a great idea. How about including that billet taco plate too

Posted by: eric9144 Aug 28 2012, 11:25 AM

I just bought both from him, no hassles and arrived 1 month to the day from ordering, he was in process of moving his shop or it likely would have been quicker. The quality is fantastic.

Posted by: euro911 Aug 28 2012, 11:32 AM

No, silly ... keeping the tuna to filter the oil


Ed, what is the extension tube made of? ... aluminum tubing?
What do you use for a coupling to the existing pick-up?
Not sure I'd like to run without some type of particulate filter at the bottom



Rob, how did you modify your stainer? ... (got PIX?)
Does the strainer reside at the bottom of the can?


Sorry for all the questions, but concerned if not done right -

I was cautioned about the 7~9 lb torque spec prior to my first oil change (2007) - duly noted.



Hmmm ... tuna taco GB

Posted by: Dave_Darling Aug 28 2012, 11:43 AM

The pickup tube extension is, from what I can tell, machined out of a billet piece of rod. There is a groove on the inside up at one end for the O-ring, and the other end is closed except for the wide slots cut in an X shape on the end. There might be a hole on the end larger than were the slots meet, but it might just be the slots. Regardless, the retaining nut goes through where the slots meet.

Not an easy part to make, and if it does not seal you're going to be sucking air most of the time. Not so good.

You only got half the kit, you need the other half as well.

--DD

Posted by: aircooledtechguy Aug 28 2012, 07:03 PM

If you have "air" that low in your sump that you actually suck air, you're completely out of oil anyway. That tuna can won't do a darn thing. . .

Posted by: Dave_Darling Aug 28 2012, 08:37 PM

The top of the oil pick-up?

--DD

Posted by: aircooledtechguy Aug 28 2012, 09:13 PM

Where you slip on the extension. This adds about 1.5 inches or less to the original pick-up tube. If your oil is that low, all you have left is in the bottom of the tuna can. Or maybe we're talking about two separate things (it's been a long day on this end)

Posted by: markb Aug 28 2012, 10:44 PM

Hmmm, with the exception of the seals, I thought I sent all the parts pictured here.... if not send a PM & I'll be happy to refund the Paypal.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/9144/POR_9144_UP9144_pg4.htm

Posted by: euro911 Aug 29 2012, 12:17 AM

The aluminum piece (pick-up the extension) shown in the left of the pic is the part in question.




Logically assuming the O-ring fits in a groove inside the top of the of the aluminum extension (shown upside-down in the pic) to seal against the stock pick-up tube tube, and the cross-hatch at the bottom is for the oil pick up from the bottom of the can/sump?

If the extension isn't available from the manufacturer as a separate part, then I can try to machine one if someone can provide all the dimensions

Dave, I sent you a PM

I'm also interested in Rob's strainer modification


If manufacturing an extension at home proves to be too difficult , I've been made aware that I can return the can to the unnamed-mystery seller

Posted by: cgnj Aug 29 2012, 03:45 AM

Hi,

I have an incomplete one also, together we could make one.

Pick-up Tube
od=1.130 in.
id=.715 in.
lenght=2.310 in.

Can you tell me the size of the o ring and washer?

Can anyone say where the washer goes?

Thanks,

Carlos

Posted by: ejm Aug 29 2012, 04:27 AM

The "washer" is a stock strainer plate seal that's used on the bolt

correct

Posted by: markb Aug 29 2012, 10:05 AM

Mark, don't try & make one, I found the one for yours. I guess I didn't get it into the box before I shipped it. My apologies. I'll get it in a flat rate box & off to you in today's mail.

Posted by: euro911 Aug 29 2012, 01:47 PM

Cool. Glad you located it. You could mail it in a padded envelope and save a few $

Thanks Mark

Posted by: Dave_Darling Aug 29 2012, 02:06 PM

Yes, it adds that much to the bottom. But the O-ring is around the top of the extension, which goes up over the existing tube at least an inch--possibly more. And that is what we're talking about potentially leaking, especially if there is no seal at all there. And if you're drawing the oil from up that far, what's the point in an extension of the tube anyway? Remember, the point of this part is to keep oil at the pickup when it is sloshing around in the sump.



The washer, for the person who asked, goes between the retaining nut (which looks like a long bolt) and the bottom of the can. Much like the stock setup has a crush washer between the retaining nut and the sump plate.

--DD

Posted by: markb Aug 29 2012, 06:17 PM

Went out USPS small flat rate box today.

Posted by: euro911 Aug 29 2012, 06:32 PM

Cool, the errant piece is on it's way Thanks for all the replies and tips

I've installed larger (full size) sumps on T-1s and and a 912, but kind of remember the extension pick-up tubes just being a rubber hose and a hose clamp dropping down into the strainer. Of course, this was 30+ years ago ... the T-4 can is a new one on me ...

I can get paper seals and crush washers from numerous places, but does anyone know the particulars on the O-ring: maybe a part # from Grainger or some other source?

Since it's constantly immersed internally, does it need to be a special rubber compound to handle the high oil temperatures?

EDIT (8/31): Received it, Mark. Thanks

Posted by: jonesy Dec 28 2012, 09:17 AM

Hi All,

Hope you had a great Christmas and i wish you all a happy new year.

Thanks to all of you who have bought a tuna can and/or taco plate from me.

Heres some info in the next posts on my billet parts for those that don't know about them already.

All the best.

Cheers,
Neil

Posted by: jonesy Dec 28 2012, 09:17 AM

Tuna Can - Mini Deep Oil Sump kit

Mini Deep Oil Sump extension for volkswagen aircooled type 4 engines.

£45

Increase your engines oil capacity to help prevent oil starvation.

Fits all type IV (4) engines including Type 2 (T2) bay windows 72-79, Type 25 (T3) Transporter / Vanagon 80-83, Porsche 914s and of course VW Type 4's (Tunacan)

Precision Machined high-strength aluminium.

Complete with fitting hardware and oil pick up extension tube.

Check out more pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=978326

Worldwide shipping no problem. UK £4, Europe £6, Worldwide £8.

Paypal accepted (no extra charges) to boatyardbuses@aol.com

I also make a oil sender (taco plate) see here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=978324

I'm more than happy to offer a group buy and can offer a very good deal on multiple purchases.

Cheers,
Neil

Posted by: jonesy Dec 28 2012, 09:18 AM

Taco plate - Oil temp sender sump cover

Type 4 sump plate for mounting VDO oil temperature sender (M14 x 1.5mm thread)

£32

Fits all type IV (4) engines including Type 2 (T2) bay windows 72-79, Type 25 (T3) Transporter / Vanagon 80-83, Porsche 914s and of course VW Type 4's (Tunacan)

Precision Machined high-strength aluminium.

Complete with fitting hardware.

Check out more pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=978324

Worldwide shipping no problem. UK £4, Europe £6, Worldwide £8.

Paypal accepted (no extra charges) to boatyardbuses@aol.com

I also make a sump extention (tuna can) see here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=978326

I'm more than happy to offer a group buy and can offer a very good deal on multiple purchases.

Cheers,
Neil

Posted by: ThePaintedMan Dec 28 2012, 09:38 AM

I bought both of these from Neil some time back, and I can vouch for the fine craftsmanship of both pieces. Very easy to install, and I have never seen the oil light go on. You will noticed the billet "taco plate" is even recessed so that air flowing under the car does not skew the readings from the sender. He shipped both extremely quickly and for a nominal fee - I definitely recommend you all do business with him.

Posted by: jim_hoyland Dec 28 2012, 10:24 AM

Nice parts; I'd like to get in on a group buy....

Posted by: KaptKaos Dec 28 2012, 10:41 AM

I was meaning to set up a group buy, but life got in the way.

Can someone run with this?

Posted by: last337 Dec 28 2012, 01:20 PM

I am trying to figure out what the purpose of this is other than adding a little more oil capacity. Is that all this does? How much more does it add?

Posted by: ChrisNPDrider Dec 28 2012, 02:06 PM

Purpose of tuna can: provide reliable "input" for oil suction (lowest point on engine) when racing or other instances that extreme g-forces cause oil to gather on one side or the other which can result in catastrophic "oil starvation."

NOTE on INSTALL: some of them, mine included, had a pick-up tube that was a hair too long. Install it loosely, and see if it seals at the top. I grinded the tube to make it shorter for the perfect fit. This is mentioned on older posts about the tuna-can, so I am adding it here. If you over-tighten to improve the seal, and the too-long tube prevents a good seal, it will destroy your engine case (as previously alluded to).


PS - that billet version using the OEM cover is awesome!

Posted by: gothspeed Dec 28 2012, 03:54 PM

+1 ... on the group buy for both taco and tuna ...

Posted by: 396 Dec 29 2012, 12:58 AM

[quote name='gothspeed' date='Dec 28 2012, 01:54 PM' post='1791926']
[quote name='jim_hoyland' post='1791826' date='Dec 28 2012, 08:24 AM']
Nice parts; I'd like to get in on a group buy....
[/quote]

+1 ... on the group buy for both taco and tuna ...
[/

If a group buy materialize, count me in for a tuna can.

Thanks

Posted by: Dave_Darling Dec 29 2012, 01:11 AM

It adds something on the order of a half quart of capacity. A microscopic amount of cooling, also.

But as Chris alluded to, the main thing is to keep an oil supply to the pickup tube. Since the stock pickup is in the middle of the sump, and the sump is quite flat, it is not that hard for oil to slosh away from the pickup. If it sucks air in, you lose oil pressure. This can be quite hazardous to your bearings, among other things. The "tuna can" also includes an extension to the pickup, and it traps some oil around that. So you keep oil pressure a bit longer when undergoing higher lateral G forces.

I found that one sweeper could turn my oil light on before the 'can. After, it took four on-and-off-ramps in a row before the light came on. With hard-compound street tires, but slightly aggressive ones, and a stock suspension.

Yes, I tested it.

--DD

Posted by: gothspeed Dec 29 2012, 12:07 PM

Does the siphon tube extension on this kit have a 'seal' of some sort ?? it looks like it rests on top of the screen.

Anyone else on a group buy?

Posted by: bperry Dec 29 2012, 01:10 PM

Here is a photo of a new/un-installed Weltmeister "tuna-can" kit with
the original instructions.

--- bill

Instructions:  TunaCan.pdf ( 66.06k ) Number of downloads: 242

Instructions: (jpeg)

Posted by: euro911 Dec 29 2012, 01:49 PM

Let's use the other thread to get a count for a GB

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=200904

Posted by: gothspeed Dec 29 2012, 03:14 PM

.... that seal looks good ........... I have seen other sump extensions use a hose clamp to hold it on .......... if this billet version has a seal at all, it will be the best 'can' out there because the screen is still utilized.


Sounds good ........ we are almost at the 5 mark for each piece ...

Posted by: euro911 Dec 29 2012, 03:25 PM

The sumps I used to run on T-1s and 356/912 motors used an extension 'tube' (hose) held on to the pick up tube with a hose clamp.

I think KaptKaos is in for a taco plate, not sure about a tuna can.

Where in So Cal are you, 'Goth'?

Posted by: gothspeed Dec 29 2012, 04:12 PM

Looks like we need one more buyer for a 'taco', then we get to the 5-9 price bracket for both ....

euro911, I am on the coast of where LA/OC border ..........

This tuna & taco upgrade will give me an excuse to fix the tiny leak that has developed on my fresh 2056 ....... the motor has not even been put into the car ...

Posted by: euro911 Dec 29 2012, 09:30 PM

Was just curious about how many could be shipped to a centralized So Cal (LA or OC) location.


EDIT:

A 2056 is much more fun when it's in a car

Posted by: gothspeed Dec 30 2012, 01:01 PM

Bump! For those of you interested in the Alloy Tuna and Alloy Taco plate GB go to this thread and put your name in!!! Everyone running a type 4 should be running these two items!!

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=200904&st=20&gopid=1794306&#entry1794306

Posted by: gothspeed Jan 1 2013, 04:20 PM

Bump for the Group Buy for these two items in the Classified Section!! GB Thread link:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=200904&st=20&gopid=1794306&#entry1794306

C'mon!! Everyone needs a Tuna-Taco!!!


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Mark Henry Jan 1 2013, 07:19 PM

The opinion from someone who has built performance type one's forever... the pick-up on the tuna can is a real super crap design.

I'd like to see how the jonesy one goes together.

Posted by: jonesy Jan 3 2013, 04:03 PM

Hi George, glad to hear your happy with them and thanks a lot for you feedback... much appreciated
Neil

Posted by: euro911 Jan 3 2013, 04:19 PM

If anyone is interested in the 'newer' style Tuna Cans and/or Taco Plates, there's a Group Buy going on right now ... http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=201247&pid=1795571&st=0&#entry1795571

Posted by: RobW Jan 3 2013, 09:05 PM

Don't over torque it!