Unreasonably stuck oil pan...

[Goulash]

I have a 93 ATX with 186,000 miles. I'm trying to change the rod bearings. The car is not cooperating.

First was the exhaust which is supposed to be a pain. It was. In Ohio, we have more salt on the roads than the Dead Sea. Still, I only have to drill out two studs. Not bad.

Starter came out, no sweat. Now I have all the nuts and bolts out of the oil pan and it won't move. Doesn't budge. I know that it should be difficult, but not this hard. I'm wondering if anyone has any techniques or suggestions.

Thusfar I've tried tapping (and then, slightly beating) on the sides with a rubber mallet, prying against the sides with a crowbar (and a piece of wood to prevent damage), and prying against the pry-points with a screwdriver, then a tire-iron. Last straw was breaking the tip of a cheap screwdriver off in between the pan and block, and breaking off one of the pry tabs. It's REALLY stuck.

I've removed 10 pan-block bolts, 2 pan-transmission bolts, and 3 pan-stud nuts. Am I missing anything? Because this is starting to get ridiculous...someone help me before I take a baseball bat to the (already cracked) windshield.

- Justin

 

[Ishodu]

Above the two tranny to pan bolts there are two more above hard to see and hard to get out. Did you get them? I think there are 14 nuts and bolts holding the pan to the block and 2 holding the pan to the tranny.

 

[Yamaha V6]

10 Bolts, 4 Studs (nuts), 2 bolts to the transaxle

 

[Goulash]

Thanks...

Thanks guys -

I got it yesterday after I found nut number buried on the other side of the starter. That one sucks. And now, for the bearings themselves!

- Justin

 

[40BelowSummer]

that one hid from me as well.

Wait til you put it back on

If you have any questions or would like a pic of any steps let me know, i took step by step pics when I did it and I also have a service manual.

 

[shojuan]

My rod bearings are past due for a change. All you folks attacking them this month (what gives? August is supposed to be the month for 60K's! ) is getting to me. I actually stopped at Autozone on the way to work this morning to pick up a can of permatex copper spray gasket adhesive. Useful to spray the block ends where the oil pan gaskets sit so they stay up. :thumbs_u:

Maybe this weekend I'll actually get around to the job.

 

[Goulash]

Hey cool!

Well, I got the bearings done...they were SO THRASHED! I took pictures of the old bearings (which resemble pennies more than anything automotive related, uppers and lowers) with my point and shoot, so I'll try to scan them when I get them developed (my digital camera is with my cousin...in Scotland). Overall, the bearings are easy once you get the stupid exhaust off. Eleven years and 186,000 miles of Ohio salt made that NO FUN.

Now it's all about putting it back together. I degreased the pan and all interior parts and cut my new pick-up tube gasket, and I'm all ready for some fun tomorrow! Ironically, I was just about to search to see which 'fast-drying adhesive' is suggested for the end seals...you guys are clairvoyant! According to the RTV directions, it dries after an hour, and is fully cured after 24...how long should I really wait before adding oil and driving it?

- Justin

BTW, Guitar333...System of a Down rules and all, but I really doubt you're 69 years old.

 

[40BelowSummer]

I added oil and started her up immediately. No leaks here

The oil pan is a bitch to fit back up there, have fun. (in my case it was)

BTW soad does rule and doubt me you shall

 

[Devin]

Hey, how hard is it to change the bearings? I have my engine completely out of the car hanging out on a engine hoist. I will be picking up a rotating engine stand soon. Do I just take the pan off and replace the bearings?

 

[Goulash]

It's pretty easy...with it out of the car, you could probably do them with your eyes closed. Here's a good walkthrough: http://www.kurtmetros.com/bearings.html

Good luck! - Justin

 

[shojuan]

Hey, how hard is it to change the bearings? I have my engine completely out of the car hanging out on a engine hoist. I will be picking up a rotating engine stand soon. Do I just take the pan off and replace the bearings?

****, with the engine out and upside down on a stand why not take advantage of the perfect opportunity to replace the MAIN bearings as well?

 

[Ferendon]

If you decide to do your main bearings, I have a set I'll sell you. I'm rebulding my engine, in the car, so I'm not gonna get to do the main and thrust bearings... But considering that most people do rod bearings in the car, then it's actually fairly normal not to do them, but if I had the chance I definitely would.