has this happened to anyone else?

I remember someone stating that it also had to do with using a paper gasket. The gasket would compress over time from vibration and allow the pump to walk and eventually break from the movement.

we always use a gasket,i have a freind that would surface the block,and not use a gasket, he never had a problem ,with or with out,

5 years ago i pulled down a core engine that was rebuilt by a shop,it had 240,000 miles on it, as i look staring at the oil pump gasket i see one bolt hole and the oil hole is clearly visable,it had spun before the builder had installed the 2nd bolt,lol,this engine ran for over 240,000 miles,lol, both bolts were tighter than heck, this truck was off roaded very hard,.... no breakage

If you have some extra cash, you could alway's go to an external pump. It also makes priming the motor a breeze Bobby Z

I've seen this a number of times. I would look at
the pickup tube? If the pickup isnt supported by
any bracing to main cap fasteners it adds a lot of
stress and vibration to the pump mount. Especially
long rear sump pickups! I'm using Melling HV pumps
with rear sump pickups in all my BBFs. I run TWO
braces to the pickup tube to main cap fasteners
and have NEVER broken a Melling pump.

Thanks for the advertising! This is why we spent the money to engineer a new oil pump. I broke every one that was ever put on an engine with more than a 4" stroke. We used to weld them up with gessets and brazing, but it was too much work. ... Kaase

"Necessity is the mother of invention"

Nice piece Jon!!

Bill