81 GTV6 oil pump hose?

[michael@domain.elided]

Hi:
When I removed the lower oil pan today on my '81 GTV6, I found something in 
the oil pan that I have not seen on either my '85 GTV6 or the 3 liter 
engine I installed in it.  The oil pump was different to the later GTV6 in 
having a loop of metal pipe around the body of the oil pump (just above the 
screened oil pickup).  One end was sealed off, the other was connected to a 
length of serpentine, flattened hose which (presumably) was coiled near the 
bottom of the oil pan.  I could not see what purpose this could possibly 
serve.
I'm certain it is not installed on later model V6 engines - and since the 
hose was old and frayed, I had to remove it, installed the lower pan and 
the car runs fine.
Anyone have any idea what this is/was?
Cheers
Michael
www.gtv6.org

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