Dreaded Oil Pan Nut

[NatedawgV8]

Just finishing up the rod bearing swap, and I have all the oil pan fasteners back in except for that one impossible nut on the rear drivers side.

What's the best way to reinstall the nut? I tried a single U-joint and extentions, but I couldn't get the nut lined up straight enough to start without crossthreading it.

I'm halfway tempted to try to run without it, especially since there is another bolt so close to it. I'll give the nut another shot, though before throwing in the towel.

Also, an RTV question.. was I supposed to clean off the oil residue from the mating surfaces between the oil pan and block? I hope the RTV is gonna cure properly. I was also in a bit of a hurry, and I'm afraid I might have biased the RTV bead too closely to the inside instead of the outside. What happens in that case?


TIA for any advice,

Nathan

 

[projectSHO89]

I used a extensible magnetic retriever to hold the nut in position while gently turning the nut with my fingertips. Got it on my second try.

Yes, the oil residue is supposed to be cleaned, otherwise the new RTV will not seal to it. The result may be oil leaks.

If the RTV is too close to the inside, it may not cure properly causing leaks. Worst case is if some comes loose and gets into your oil distribution system and causes a clog, then SHO...BOOM.

Steve

 

[Detenator]

Work as much as that nut as you can with your fingers. To tighten it, get a real short socket wrench, then at the end of that wrench put an adjustable wrench. At the end of that adjustable wrench( in the hole at the end of it) put a cresent wrench (doesn't matter which size) and tighten it. I know im gonna get a lot of flak for this idea, (to quote the famous George Carlin: " i have a lot of great ideas. Problem is they all suck...") but thats how i got that last bolt out. (im in the middle of a rod job right now) I hope this helps. P.S. please don't blame me if you break anything. I don't reccomend using this method unless you are cheep like me or if its 11 pm and sears is closed. Good luck with your job.