Oil Pan Gasket Change

[corvdesign]

I need to change the oil pan gasket in my 77 L-48. Engine is in the car. Any problems doing that?
Thanks,
Corv

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Fairly easy to do just messy. Lower the supsension by removing the bolts holding the idler arm and power steering ram. Drop it down, remove the various bolts holding the pan and, if you have an automatic, the torque converter cover. Clean up the surface, place the new gasket and out it back together.

I just replaced my oil pump. Everything you need to know was outlined in the post.

Good luck.

 

[corvdesign]

Thanks Bob - I'll check that post out.
Corv

 

[JohnZ]

Hint - Set the crank so the balancer index line is at 5 o'clock - 6 o'clock first; that will get the front counterweights up out of the way to create max clearance to slide the pan back.

 

[corvdesign]

Thanks for that info. Where is Washington, Michigan?

 

[mvftw]

If your doing the pan, consider the timing chain (if it's oringnal), oil pump & shaft, & rear main seal. At least use the Fel-Pro one peice seal...

 

[JohnZ]

Thanks for that info. Where is Washington, Michigan?

About 25 miles due north of Detroit - near 32 Mile Road and M-53.

 

[corvdesign]

The other side of the state. Wyoming (where I'm from) is near Grand Rapids.

 

[Whiplash]

If your doing the pan, consider the timing chain (if it's oringnal), oil pump & shaft, & rear main seal. At least use the Fel-Pro one peice seal...

Agree with the one piece Felpro oilpan gasket 1000%. No muss with the curved pieces of the pan and the trick installation pegs make sure the gasket is aligned and holds the pan in place when it's over your head. Just make sure to put a little blue silicon gasket sealer in the corners of the curved part of the pan.

Also do not over tighten the pan bolts or you'll flatten out the edge of the pan and ruin your seal. Do a search on oil pan. Somewhere in here is a thread that shows you how to make sure the dimples at the bolt holes are correct.

Also when you take the pan off and put it back in be very careful not to knock the oil pickup around. I did this and it pushed the pickup up too high and caused the pump to suck air. Very bad news. Also, you might consider changing the oil pump while you're there. They don't cost too much and you don't want to do the pan gasket more than once. Others may have a different opinion but I think it's a good idea once you're in there.

Here's a link on my oil pan install results with some details about the pickup http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48965&highlight=whiplash

Good luck!

Whiplash

 

[corvdesign]

Whiplash,
Thanks for the great information.
Corv