Replacing oil pan

1105

I AM the random post master...bow down
May 3, 2003
3,841
0
0
Daytona Bch, FL
Is it possible to replace it with the engine still in the car? Mine is leaking form where I had to drill the holes for my oil drain for my twin setup and everything I try doesnt work. Has anyone done this before or know if its possible?
 
Yes, you can swap it with the motor still in the car. But it will require dropping the K-member. Even if you unbolt the motor mounts and lift it up, the tranny won't allow it to raise high enough to allow the pan to clear the rotating assembly.

Personally, if the only reason you're going to pull it is to fix some leaks, I wouldn't bother. I'd just get under there and fix it with the proper fittings, or if that isn't the case, some sealant of some sort (RTV, JB weld, whatever). If that doesn't work, pull the pan.
 
My buddy had his oil pan replaced on his 95 GT by a FORD mechanic, and he just lifted the motor up as high as it would go, and he swapped the pan and gasket. He had an auto trans. He had the car back in 1 day. It doesn't leak or anything.
 
SVT32VDOHC said:
My buddy had his oil pan replaced on his 95 GT by a FORD mechanic, and he just lifted the motor up as high as it would go, and he swapped the pan and gasket. He had an auto trans. He had the car back in 1 day. It doesn't leak or anything.

Interesting. My motor barely lifted high enough to swap motor mounts, and even then I had to force them.
 
I'm getting my oil pan gasket replaced at a shop as we speak. They are lifting the engine to remove/replace the old gasket, as well as replace the motor mounts (since the engine is lifted, might as well get stuff done to save $$$). My rear main seal is being replaced as well, but I do believe they are removing the tranny for that (good time to check the clutch situation, I guess).
 
1105 said:
I'm using rubber plugs and RTV. I cant thread anything into the pan so thoes kind of fittings wont work

I'm ASSuming that you're saying they won't work because you can't back the threads up from the inside without pulling the pan. But here's what I'd do first:

Drill the oil pan with a bit just a hair under "X" as measured on the fittings you're using. I'd probably go 1/16" smaller.

thread.jpg


Then thread it in with high temp RTV to complete the seal. Let it sit over night to cure and then run a ton of oil through the motor and let it drain to pull out the metal from drilling. Of course, don't forget to drain the oil before drilling. You may also want to consider using a magnet to help pull the filings over to the drain.

I know we're getting a bit off the path of how to drop the pan, but speaking from personal experience, dropping the pan tends to be a can of worms as far as leaks go. I avoid it if at all possible.