Changing oil pan gasket with transmission out

[Fiatlanta]

Long story short, I'm putting in a new Polski transmission after my guibo went and took shift tower with it. Third was going, anyway, so figured I'd go ahead and put in the new tranny.

Anyway, while I was under there, I noticed the oil pan gasket needs replacing. I actually got all the bolts out before I noticed what should have been an obvious issue...the crossmember prevents the pan from coming out. I've since learned that it's a huge pain in the ass to get it out, engine hoists are necessary, etc. Nice.

So...question is...would it be easier to this done after I get transmission out? Or is there no way around it and I have to screw with engine mounts and all that?

Thanks.

[grrrdot]

From memory its the oil pump and crankshaft clearance that makes it tough to remove the oil pan with the engine still in the car. So, you have to get the engine up high enough for the pan to drop low enough to either; clear the oil pump -or- to get a wrench in to remove the oil pump bolts and drop the pump into the pan.
Last time I did this ( it was on a 1438cc which has a short stroke ) it meant detaching the mounts, jacking up the engine and putting some 1x4s in on either side to keep the engine raised. It was super fiddly and pretty annoying.
With the trans out I imagine the engine could be jacked up higher to start with so that could make it easier.

-G

[njoconnor]

Take a look at how my mechanic and I tackled it. With the trans out, yeah, we would have had more space to work. We also had the car on a lift, so everything was at eye level.

You can loop the gasket around the oil pan and pump shaft even with an inch of clearance, though more is better. Recommend you get a non-cork gasket (I used A/R's....worked great) to accomodate a little stretch. Also....rebolting is very low torque.....7ftlbs IIRC. Makes a difference in life of the gasket.

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=33912

Neil

[Fiatlanta]

Take a look at how my mechanic and I tackled it. With the trans out, yeah, we would have had more space to work. We also had the car on a lift, so everything was at eye level.

You can loop the gasket around the oil pan and pump shaft even with an inch of clearance, though more is better. Recommend you get a non-cork gasket (I used A/R's....worked great) to accomodate a little stretch. Also....rebolting is very low torque.....7ftlbs IIRC. Makes a difference in life of the gasket.

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=33912

Neil

Yeah, I got ARs gasket. I was wondering if I couldn't just sorta stretch it around the pan and slip it in that way, then just bolt it all back up.

I did see your topic when I was searching the forum for ideas...I'm just working with basic home garage tools available, though. Really considering investing in a lift of some sort, though...would really make things a lot easier.

[njoconnor]

I didn't stretch it, really just looped it, then sorta wiggled it into place. Felt like I was doing one of those little metal trick puzzles from when I was a kid.

+1 on a lift. I'm thinking a mid lift, since I only have 10 feet of ceiling height.

Neil