WarspeedFD

What's up everyone!

I have an FD and like to remove the oil pan and seal up that oil leak that all FD has, but when I got under the car it seems like that the only way to remove the oil pan is to remove the entire engine from the engine bay.

Am I missing an easy step here? Please help.


MK

black_sunshine

I've not done a FD yet, but I've done it to many a FC. Maybe this process for an FC will be helpful on your FD...

You'll need to lift the engine so you can access the bolts through the subframe. It's a helluva tight fit, but it's worth a shot.

Remove the fan from the water pump. Set the car up on jackstands. Remove the bottom motor-mount bolts (subframe). Use a jack on the front of the transmission and lift the engine until you can access the bolts. You'll have to remove some metal/plastic underpanels if they haven't already been taken off. You'll want to devise a way of securing the engine up while you're working, so in case the jack slips, you can still have 10 fingers.

Personally, I just use a mini-pick to lift the engine up.

To prevent the leaking, take a small punch and punch staggerd dimples in both the oil pan and the engine itself. This way, the silicone doesn't squish out as easily. Don't use a gasket. Clean everything off thoroughly with brake parts cleaner and a scotch-brite pad. Don't use a razor-style gasket remover. Take a putty-knife, sharpen one side of it, and use that (less gouging).

The most common source of the oil leak is between the aluminum housing and the iron housings; at that seam, oil likes to slip through.

Hope some of this was useful to you!

mgoddard1

I just replaced my oil pan gasket on my FD and no, you don't have to pull the whole engine. Put the car on jackstands, unbolt the engine mounts from the subframe, raise the engine about 2 inches using the STA or an engine hoist, unbolt the power steering, drop the subframe, unbolt the front shocks from the top of the shock towers, and you'll have plenty of clearance to remove the oil pan. Once you remove the oil pan the engine will drip oil for a few days so I wouldn't attempt putting the oil pan back on until it stops dripping. Scrape every bit of old gasket off that you can and use a solvent like acetone to remove any traces of oil off the engine housing and oil pan. If you don't your oil pan will leak again.

mad_7tist

yes you can but you need to lift the engine/remove the motor mount bolts adn be carful with the pick up tube.