[Wikman]

Hi
Is it possible to remove the oil pan while the engine is still in the car?
I’m about to replace the motor mounts and it would be convenient to replace the oil pan at the same time.
If it is possible, what is the best way to go?
Smallblock ’69 Chevy Caprice.

TIA

 

[justjohn]

Hi
Is it possible to remove the oil pan while the engine is still in the car?
I’m about to replace the motor mounts and it would be convenient to replace the oil pan at the same time.
If it is possible, what is the best way to go?
Smallblock ’69 Chevy Caprice.

TIA

Kind of but it's a terrible experience. Best case, I think you can get it done by unbolting the motor mounts and using a hoist to lift the front of the engine several inches. Best used for emergencies.
I've done both and engine out is the cleanest and surest method. Mine currently doesn't leak oil at all.

 

[Scott Dunbar]

Hi
Is it possible to remove the oil pan while the engine is still in the car?
I’m about to replace the motor mounts and it would be convenient to replace the oil pan at the same time.
If it is possible, what is the best way to go?
Smallblock ’69 Chevy Caprice.

TIA

I have done it before
- disconnect positive battery cable
-remove motor mount through bolts
-drain rad and disconnect hoses
-remove fan
-raise vehicle and drain oil
-auto trans remove cooler lines at trans. and convertor cover
-remove starter
-disconnect steering rod at idler arm and swing it out off the way cut two 2x4 wooden blocks 5 1/2 long
turn damper to 6:00 o'clock position
jack up engine with a floor jack and block of wood until you have enough room to insert the 5 1/2 inch blocks between the frame and motor mounts on the block (on end)

 

[Impala/Camino]

I've done it in the car a couple times. The above is a good procedure but I added some things that you should know. After removing the MM bolts you should put a couple of 2X4 chunks under the mounts and then let the engine down on them. I use the long side standing up that way you get an almost 3 1/2 inch lift so there's more room to drop the pan. You may have to rotate the engine so the crank throws & weights don't interfere with the oil pan removal.IIRC you rotate it to # 1 TDC so there's no interference.
I also take the distributor cap off as when you raise the engine it will hit the firewall. The fan will hit your shroud so take that into account. Depending on the engines year the oil pan and the timing chain cover may interfere with removing the pan and/or each other, so at that point you might choose to replace the front seal and timing chain cover as you are almost there anyway.
Plus I don't know how sure the oil leak is the pan ? with the oil pan off you can replace the rear seal without too much trouble. You should look up the procedure you may choose to replace that too because that's the major hurdle to replacing a leaking 2 piece rear main seal.