71 Olds 442 oil pan removal
 

Can the oil pan be successfully removed and replaced with the engine in the car? 455.

Re: 71 Olds 442 oil pan removal
 

Jim, worked at Olds dealer 1971-1978, found it easier to remove engine for oil pan removal. Crank throws and frame K-member make it very tight in vehicle.

Re: 71 Olds 442 oil pan removal
 

^^^^^ my experience as well-easier to pull it out

Re: 71 Olds 442 oil pan removal
 

Pan is too close to the crossmember. You either have to lift the engine or remove it. There is also the issue with the use of incorrect engine mounts. The big block engine mounts are different than the small block. I have seen a few guys that put small block engine mounts with a big block and it puts the engine even closer to the crossmember.

Re: 71 Olds 442 oil pan removal
 

Didn't NHRA make a rule that allowed you to modify or fabricate a removable cross member so you could remove your oil pan ? That may be hard to do, on a A-Body GM car but once it is done, it would be easy to remove the oil pan .

Re: 71 Olds 442 oil pan removal
 

Very similar to a Pontiac

A device was made that allowed you to push the engine up enough from the bottom to get the pan off.

It had chains that wrapped around lower frame and used a big bolt device to push the engine up under the balancer/front cover

I don't recall the exact details but it did work because I used it more than once in my days as a Pontiac dealership mechanic....Mid to late1970's....

Re: 71 Olds 442 oil pan removal
 

I worked at a Pontiac dealership too in 1979 and I remember the tool you are in reference to.

Re: 71 Olds 442 oil pan removal
 

No you can't