HELP! Oil Pan Stuck

[Bronco_007]

1974 302 Manual

I’m feeling foolish, so I decided to remove my oil pan (which doesn’t leak at all) to clean and paint for years of protection and enjoyment. Bolts came off nicely and without issue, including the four larger ones at each end. Dipstick unscrewed at the pan and I enjoyed lots of wrist contortion to remove the dipstick mounting bolt on the passenger side. I have a 2.5 lift, tall jack and blocks ready to go. But the damn oil pan doesn’t want to come loose. I mean, it’s only been fifty one years…. So, what are the tricks without destroying the pan/block? Pruner seems aggressive. No room to get into the edges anyway. HELP. ME. PLEASE.

 

[Glass Pony]

Try tapping with a dead blow hammer on a strong part of the pan like a corner or drive a small wedge in the joint to get it started.
https://www.dkhardware.com/msc-881-...77335635586496&utm_content=Low Performing PT2

 

[Bronco_007]

Try tapping with a dead blow hammer on a strong part of the pan like a corner or drive a small wedge in the joint to get it started.
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I tried the dead blow on the corner. Small wedge is good idea. I think I have a painters tool. Thanks!

 

[DirtDonk]

I would leave it in place and try to paint it still installed. If it doesn’t leak and doesn’t want to come off, it’s probably glued on anyway, and almost be guaranteed to leak when you put it back on!
But my first recommendation is always the same thing. Run your finger around the entire perimeter and look for that one remaining bolt that you missed.
This happens way more often than you think.

 

[DirtDonk]

Oh, and if you’ve already done that, do it two more times anyway. After all, it’s just a few extra minutes of your time and if you do find that bolt, it’ll make your day.

 

[Bronco_007]

I wondered about just aborting the removal. If it ain’t broke…

 

[phred]

As a word of caution once you get it loose you will still have to maneuver it past the oil pump pickup. Jacking up the truck by the bumper will give you a few extra inches of cleanable so you can wiggle it between the front differential and the oil pump pickup.

 

[Bronco_007]

I think I’m going to leave it on and replace all hardware. Hope my attempts haven’t already broken the seal and caused a leak. Any advice on replacing the dipstick tube to prevent it leaking, which it did plentifully, is appreciated. I think I came across a disintegrated o-ring or gasket when unscrewing it from the pan…

 

[Bronco_007]

Oh yeah, as for the drain plug. It did drip nicely. Should I try a flanged bolt?

 

[bigmuddy]

Probably has the old indian head gasket maker on it. That shit is horrible to unstick and a pain to get off the block too!

 

[.94 OR]

I remember having to drop the pan on mine years ago. With the long tube headers it's a wrestling nightmare under there.
Biggest issue for me was getting the dipstick tube over the oil pickup. No magic pill that I remember.

 

[Bronco_007]

Alright, all hardware reattached. Dipstick tube too. Six quarts onboard. No immediate leakage. Will let it sit overnight. And then startup tomorrow if floor is dry in the AM. Ya’ll are the best. Again. Still.

 

[DirtDonk]

Sounds good so far, and I hate to say it, but the proof is in the running.
See how dry it is after it’s run for a while.

 

[SLOWnEASY]

Agreed with Paul. Right now all the oil is lower than the sealing surface so it's just sitting puddled in the pan. But I also agree with you to let it sit all night before you try to start it and leak test it.

 

[Bronco_007]

Decided to replace a couple fuel lines while it’s garaged. Might not run for a couple days if I don’t finish today. I’ll post back once I do. Thanks all.

 

[SLOWnEASY]

Definitely let us know. It seems like pans are just prone to leaks. I'm dealing with one on my sons Honda that I just can't stop even with a new Honda gasket. I'm about to the point of ripping off the gasket and going pure RTV. Okay not really on the pure RTV, but man some oil leaks are tough.

 

[Bronco_007]

Ended up replacing belts and radiator hoses this week. Startup is tomorrow. Stay tuned!

 

[Bronco_007]

The good news: no oil leak.

The bad news: a coolant leak. Passenger side valve cover. Enough of a drip to cause smoke when it evaporates off the manifold.

 

[Bronco_007]

 

[SLOWnEASY]

Hopefully it's just a hose clamp that needs a bit more snugging up.