Well, the pickup will rotate due to the force of gravity if held horizontally. Also a quick check with the calipers indicates that the tube is somewhat ovaled. Below is a pic showing the Dooley pickup next to a stock one. Should I just weld it in place? I would rather buy a replacement. Who sells them?
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/...1022061357.jpg
Now that's a cool picture. Dooley makes a Circle Boat or Front Drive pickup that moves the pickup towards the starter side of the engine. It bolts on just the front two oil pump cover bolts. You have to sand the heck out of it to hammer into the pump. The bad part is that it costs 1/4 the price of the pan. Go figure.