DG Oil Pick up/screen removal

[vanjam]

Have my engine cracked and clean on the bench waiting for an OLD STYLE THRUST BEARING but reluctant to remove oil pick up tube as it is resistant to removal. Have taken out lower securing bolt on screen housing but tube does not want to come away easily from socket in crankcase. Should I just puill harder or is there another fixing/technique to get it out?

[weimarbus]

It would be best to leave this in situ if it is removed and then becomes a looser fit then the oil pump will suck in air around the gap and reduce the oil pressure.