Changing the Oil Pan Gasket

[gadget73]

leave the varnish on the internals. Its just residue from oil, not much you can do about it. If you want that to go away, switch over to a synthetic oil. Most of it will clear itself out over time.

[Ringting]

Thank you for this advice.

I have been using Mobile One 5W30 since buying it. Yes/No?

[gadget73]

thats fine. the varnish will slowly go away. I have seen the inside of my Mark VII engine at 225k and the oil pickup was shiny instead of being brown colored. It had oil changes every 3k miles, and has been using synthetic since 180k. The inside of that motor is as clean as I think anyone can reasonably expect it to be for that sort of mileage.

[Ringting]

Well I am here to tell you the oil pan gasket can be changed without pulling the engine.




Well it looks like the transmission is leaking!

[86VickyLX]

I wanna know how you got the pan out without raising the engine at all to get it out of there... Did you at least have to drop the oil pump assembly down at least?

[gadget73]

I dont think he removed the pan. Looks like he dropped it to the crossmember and snuck the gasket in there. There is enough room to do that but theres no way in hell the pan will come out like that.

[Ringting]

Afternoon,
A few key facts on the work done and then some details.

Why this method:
1) I do not have access to a shop and all of my tools turn by hand
2) The only research done prior was looking at the area plus that engine drawing a kind forum member create and then thinking, thinking, thinking
3) Currently not working so time available, not $$$
4) Passion for doing things differently, ideally very difficult challenge and others say no way

So with a great deal of ignorance and someone close by as described in 4) I jumped in.

BOLTS
The only bolts removed were the 4 – 1/2” head (located on either side of round area of pan) and 18 – 3/8” head (9 per side).

Note: The 5.0L section of my manual, 21-21-7, ITEM 63, PART NO. 387549, Bolt ¼-20 .62
Note: The 5.8L section of my manual, 21-23-19, has a diagram with the above bolts

GASKET
Gasket removed was one piece grey rubber, steel grommets at bolt holes, and no steel core. The replacement was FEL-PRO one piece light blue rubber with steel core, OS 34508 R OIL PAN SET (BM 30670 Oil Pan Gasket & 95560 5/16” Oil Pan Snap Up, MADE IN USA)

TOOLS
Safety Glasses, 1/4 & 3/8 Ratchets, Multiple extensions of varying lengths, 1/4 Drive Universal, 1/2” and 3/8” [1/4 & 3/8] short and long sockets, Rags, Degreaser, Mirror, Gloves, Crawler, Various length slot screw drivers, Cardboard with 22 holes poked into it, Jacks & Stands, Patience, Time, and MOTIVATION. Oh and lots of Coca Cola because it has 0% Fat content.

METHOD
1) Lift vehicle and put stands in place
2) Drain oil and remove oil filter
3) Remove bolts, place in cardboard, keep in order
4) Remove steel Oil Pan Flange Reinforcements
5) Pan will drop a total of 1”, estimated
6) Listen to Gadget and undo 4 bolts holding engine to frame [For some reason I choose to ignore this positive advice] and lift engine, then secure.
7) Pull dip stick up
8) Carefully weave the gasket out and examine
9) Clean, Clean, Clean, then clean some more [Be careful the rags do not fall into pan, smile, bent coat hook instantly becomes your new friend]
10) An experienced person would also remove the starter motor to make cleaning easier, [Take a guess on what I did]
11) Slowly, carefully, weave the new gasket in, from the front turns out is easiest [tie strings on to four corners]
12) Clean all the mating surfaces, yeah you cleaned before but do it again
13) Install two of the four Oil Pan Snap Ups and play with pan to see how everything is fitting
14) Check for cleanliness
15) Clean the bolts
16) Check everything again
17) Install the 4 – 1/2” bolts, NOT snug just loose
18) Install the 18 – 3/8” bolts, NOT snug just loose
19) Check fit up
20) Tighten bolts up in a staggered manor, Snug not Bubba tight
21) Check fit
22) Clean oil pan plugs and install
23) Wipe everything down and visually inspect
24) Install oil filter
25) Pour oil in
26) Start engine, smile knowing it will work, fingers crossed behind back
27) Get back under and visually inspect
28) Clean everything out from under car
29) Drink a Coca Cola

Myth: the only way to change an Oil Pan Gasket is by removing the engine
Conclusion: Myth Busted

[91waggin]

This is fuckin gold right here. Props to you.

[Ringting]

91 Waggin,
Thank you for the comment. Do understand this method is not for the faint of heart, yet is not as difficult as it sounds. Be sure to have plenty of whatever you happen to enjoy and find refreshing for those times you crawl out and stand up. The body will be sore afterwards. I would do it again as the second time is always easier.

If people want more pictures or words written let me know.
Thanks to all!
ringting

[cld783]

good work ringting

[Ringting]

General Question:

As I move forward with other tasks (A/C system, Cooling system, [insert your idea here]), does this format of communicating work? Chime in on the good, bad, and ugly, so I can make sure the knowledge is capture for everyone.

I am willing to work with others who have computer skills beyond mine, allowing us to do more with the pictures taken and methods used. Basically seeing pictures marked up calling out critical stuff and words with hot links.

My background is best practices (buzzwords: Lean, Six Sigma).

Let me know,
ringting

[Ringting]

A few pictures

[tim marks]

looks good! definately not for the faint of heart or unmotivated persons. ive done these many times much as you described. this set of procedures work well with other vehicles as well, especially ford trucks.

[87gtVIC]

I like the way you do things ringting. Dont change a thing

[1987cp]