I'm going to tackle a leaky oil pan soon.

I have a four post lift and am wondering what folks generally consider to be the safest way to drop the sub-frame. I have an under lift hoist that I could use to gently lift the engine using the transmission as a jacking point, but am wondering if others have a better alternative than the transmission. I know folks using jack stands like to lift it from above, but I'm looking to hoist from underneath.

 

I just did this on jack stands using an engine support bar:


This is very similar to the Mazda SST referenced in the service manual.

Should be much easier access on a lift...

 

That does look like a great solution. I may just have to pick one up considering its only 60 bucks.

 

That's the way I would do it if you wanted to drop the subframe. With the engine supported the subframe doesn't weigh that much.

Though I will say it's still a bitch of a job to do with the engine in the car.

Dale

 

Thanks Dale, I noticed you commented on some other oil pan threads. In your opinion, do the oil pan braces help or is it really purely just a matter of carefully sealing? Also, what's the go to gasket maker these days? I've always used the right stuff in the past for this sort of thing.

 

Having just done this last week, I can say emphatically: get the brace.

The lip on the oil pan is unforgivably thin, and you'll likely warp it a tiny bit removing it. The brace helps keep even pressure around the seal. I got the Banzai kit, and it was excellent; comes with studs to replace the bolts. That makes reinstall alignment much easier.

Also, I'd recommend a new oil pan as well. It's short money for insurance that you won't have to do this again.

 

Camajo, unfortunately there's no sure-fire solution to oil pan leaks. It's try everything you can and cross your fingers.

There have been some recent threads on oil pans I'd read through. Ihor from IR Performance likes a certain Loctite RTV sealant that sounds promising.

Best way to prevent oil pan leaks is probably just to go nuclear - super clean the pan and mating surface, chase old RTV out of the holes, use a new oil pan and brace, and use top quality RTV. Then hope it works.

If it doesn't work, tell yourself your car features an active underbody rustproofing system. Or a partial loss lubrication system.

Dale