Author Topic: Oil pan removal (Read 4772 times)

Bimmer805 · « **on:** July 09, 2011, 07:38:17 PM »

im in the process of changing my upper and lower oil pan gaskets. the lower pan was a breeze to remove but my upper pan seems to be a pain to remove. its different then my old 85 325e lol. do you guys know whats the easiest way to remove the upper oil pan? My car is currently on jack stands.

monty23psk · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2011, 09:11:15 PM »

You will need to lift engine a litte so remove upper nut for engine mounts to be able to lift it.

Bimmer805 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2011, 10:16:43 AM »

Quote from: monty23psk;105200

You will need to lift engine a litte so remove upper nut for engine mounts to be able to lift it.

hmm seems like i do not have the tools to do this job:( how much would a mechanic charge me to do this job?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2011, 11:06:51 AM »

Unbolt the motor mounts and jack the motor up a few inches with a floor jack. Don't concentrate the weight on the oil pan if you can avoid that. It's not nearly as strong as a steel one and can't hold up the motor. I'd jack the bell housing flange right behind the motor. You can't get it up too high, but you don't need a lot of space. Block the engine supports on the front subframe with some 2x4 scraps or on a jack stand. Rent some if required; it'll be cheaper than the mechanic.

bmwman91 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2011, 12:03:40 PM »

What Dave said.

Unbolt motor mounts.
Jack engine up (either with a hoist, or a jack under the bell housing...you might end up needing new tranny mounts though)
Stuff some 2x4 blocks in there.

When I recently had the upper pan off, I needed to get the passenger's side mount up 2" and the driver's side about 3". That allowed me to move it straight in & out.

Bimmer805 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2011, 04:52:24 PM »

oh ok thanks guys i saw a forum about this guy had an black e30 and had like a strut tower hoist for the motor. where can i get those?

monty23psk · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2011, 09:18:16 PM »

I used a 2x4 flat on oil pan with car jack. Then when it is high enought I stick a 2x4 or 4x4 block, cant remember under the engine mount arm and subrame to hold it. That gave me clearance and stablilzed everything.

Bimmer805 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 12, 2011, 11:56:02 PM »

oh ok ill give it another attempt cuz i kinda wanna do everything myself since i did the under the intake mess and installed an mark D chip. Do i put a blocl in between the subframe and engine mount?

monty23psk · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2011, 06:05:38 AM »

engine mount bracket arm and subframe

rac3r · « **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2011, 10:38:40 PM »

I bought an engine support bar from Harbor Freight. It cost about $80 shipped. Worked just fine. Make sure you disconnect the air intake boot before you lift the engine, or you could end up stretching it until it tears.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-support-bar-96524.html

Bimmer805 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2011, 10:38:51 PM »

Oh ok thanks bro

rufiox426 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 29, 2012, 11:16:09 PM »

Does anyone know if i can just change the upper oil pan gasket or if i would have to change both? I did the lower one a year ago but it seems it is the upper gasket that is leaking

DesktopDave · « **Reply #12 on:** September 30, 2012, 08:29:51 AM »

You might be able to get away with reusing the lower gasket. I'd give it a shot, you can always replace it later.

That leak might also be the oil filter housing gasket or o-ring instead of the upper pan gasket - the housing is notorious for leaks.