Oil pan removal, in car

[Henry]

Has anyone solved this problem? There doesn't appear to be enough clearance to remove the oil pan without raising the motor. I have what sounds like a rod knock and I would like to check the lower end.

 

[grumpyvette]

I have pulled the pan from several C-4 vettes without raiseing the motor off the motor mounts , be aware the crankshaft counterweights will prevent the pan from moveing back off the cross member unless the #1 piston is about 1/2 way down the cylinder so the counter weight is horizontally located thats the only major problem other than the two diagonal braces and the starter need to come off for clearance

 

[69MyWay]

Yep, I have done this in the car as well. I must have gotten lucky the first time (position of #1), because I was able to yank mine right off my old 85. In fact, had to do it twice because the oil pick up fell off the 383 motor.

 

[-=Jeff=-]

I have pulled the pan from several C-4 vettes without raiseing the motor off the motor mounts , be aware the crankshaft counterweights will prevent the pan from moveing back off the cross member unless the #1 piston is about 1/2 way down the cylinder so the counter weight is horizontally located thats the only major problem other than the two diagonal braces and the starter need to come off for clearance

Yep I agree with grumpy.. on my 89 the 2 diagonal braces need to come off. once off the pan will drop..

I did not have to remove the starter on mine though

 

[Henry]

oil pan removal

Thanks for the help. With the diagonal bars removed the pan was easy to remove. I had already unbolted the starter and rotated the crank as you mentioned.
Bad news though. Bearings have spun on #3 & #4. Damage to the crank and possibly the rods.

 

[grumpyvette]

well now is a great time to install a 3.75" stroke 383 type forged crank, 6" rods and forged pistons because getting the old crank turned and new rods will require a ballance job anyway if you do the job correctly so you might as well get an INTERNALLY BALLANCED 383 KIT look here,

http://www.flatlanderracing.com/

http://www.scatcrankshafts.com/

http://www.herbertperformance.com/Catalog/catalog.html

http://www.dansperformance.com/page/engine_kits3.htm

http://www.strokerkits.com/383.htm