Hope someone can help, i have a huge oil leak which is coming from pan seal. Could anyone advise me on the best way to remove it as it appears to be not so straight forward for a change!! lol

 

Yeah, it's definitely a PITA. Do a search, it's been discussed before.

Summary: secure the engine with a hoist and braces, undo the motor mounts, drop the subframe (leave suspension attached), remove the engine mounts and pan.

Assembly is the reverse of disassembly.

Some folks have claimed to be able to raise the engine enough (after disconnecting the exhaust and intake) to be able to slide the pan out without dropping the subframe. Othes say that they there wasn't enough room. YMMV.

Good luck,

 

Couple of ways:

http://www.fd3s.net/oil_pan_removal.html

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-gen-archives-73/easier-oil-pan-removal-305386/

 

You dont need to drop the subframe. Just use an engine hoist or jack underneath the tranny to jack the engine up until it contats the firwall. Then undo the motor mounts and all the bolts holding the pan to the block. If the engine only has a gasket and no sealant the pan should be easy to remove, if not the pan can be difficult to remove. If you plan on reusing the pan you have do NOT bend the edges when removing.

Once the pan is completely loose from the block let it rest down inside the subframe. You will have to snake your arm between the oil pan and block and undo the two bolts that hold the oil pickup tube into place. Once the oil pickup tube is free, you will have to slide the oil pan out of the back of the subframe towards the transmission. You can loosen the two rear subrame bolts and that will give you a couple MM of clearance and the pan should come out relatively easy.

Thoroughly clean the pan and its mating service. Also let the car sit overnight so as much of the remaining oil in the block will drain down and out of the block. Wipe down/clean the mating surface on the bottom of the engine and slide the oil pan back underneath the block. Once again let the oil pan rest in the subframe and snake your arm back in between the block oil pan and reinstall the oil pickup tube. Make sure to use a gasket or a very good sealant. Once the pickup tube is install you can install the new gasket/gasket maker and reinstall the pan. Cleaning the pan and mating services will be the key to the pan not leaking again. Also, while you have it apart there is no reason not to install and oil pan brace.

Good Luck

 

Never mind - you beat me to it, Kyle

 

The oil pan brace with studs is a good idea even if it doesn't leak, if you drive your car like you stole it. It helps keep twist out of the motor and helps from breaking the pan seal.

 

I'd say it's too big a job for someone with one posting. Search thru the archives and look at what has to take place to remove it

later

 

Do a search, but here are some more quick points:

- Use Permatex "The Right Stuff", available at Autozone/Pepboys/etc... don't use a gasket.

- Get a Moroso stud kit from Summit (www.summitracing.com).

- I took my pan off with the engine out of the car. It was nice and easy then. If you have other problems, seriously consider taking the engine out (it's not hard).

- Make sure you clean clean clean everything before trying to reseal it.

- Get an oil pan brace from one of the various places that sell them (I used Gotham's, see the vendor section).

- Andy

 

+1.

If you have to ask, take it to an FD specialty shop.