Having finally tracked down the vacuum leak that was keeping the engine from running after rebuilding it, I've now moved to resolving the other problem- an oil leak that drips oil fairly steadily when the engine is running.

I'd been assuming that I had messed something up the rear main seal since I couldn't visibly see oil leaking from anywhere when it was running, but after pulling the exhaust manifold and doing some checks (wiping away the oil sitting on the lip/oil pan gasket) I'm beginning to think that it might be leaking around the oil pan gasket. Reading up more on it here, it seems that this is a common problem, but it surprised me the volume of it that seemed to be leaking out when running.

Assuming I'm correct that it is a problem with sealing up the oil pan (as I used the gasket and not just RTF)- is it possible to pull the oil pan and the gasket and put it back on (perhaps with Banzai's oil pan brace...) without pulling the engine out?

I'd obviously still need the hoist to pull the engine up slightly to remove the engine mounts, but otherwise is it possible to do it on the car? I really don't want to have to pull and then reinstall the engine yet again.

Thanks!

 

Yes, it can be done in the car

 

Excellent. Thanks!

Any tips/warnings/suggestions?

 

Here are the OPB instruction for in-car installation. Pan removal/install procedure is basically the same with or without the brace

http://www.banzai-racing.com/fc_OPB_...ons_in-car.htm

 

make sure you use a punch to turn down any bolt holes that are now proud from over-tightenting
use a flat edge to be sure the pan edge is true and it make take block o wood and mallet to true it to straight

dont bother with the gasket,, just use the RTV

also be sure the crankcase vents are not sealed over as this is the number one reason pans are forced to leak
( hot oil = pressure ! )

also replace the rear oil cooler hose banjo brass washers , as some will drip no matter how tight you swing on it