Motor Lifter Drop: Oil Pan Impact

A lifter is a component in an engine that ensures the valve train is lubricated. When a lifter goes bad, it can cause metal flakes to appear in the oil pan. To fix this, one must perform a cam and lifter swap. When removing the oil pan, it is not necessary to lift the engine or drop the subframe. Instead, one can simply unbolt the pan, remove the old gasket, and bolt the new pan back up. However, it is important to note that the crank must be in the proper orientation for the oil pan to come off. Additionally, one may need to use a floor jack to raise the engine a few inches and use blocks of wood to support it.

Lifting the engine with a floor jack

Before attempting to lift the engine, it is crucial to disconnect everything and ensure that all bolts are removed. It is also important to be cautious of the distributor cap, fan blade, and shroud when raising the engine. Additionally, some suggest securing the engine with a chain in case the floor jack fails.

While it is possible to lift the engine with a floor jack, some people prefer to use alternative methods, such as an engine hoist or cherry picker, for added safety.

Using a block of wood to distribute the load

When lifting an engine or a vehicle, it is not recommended to lift from the oil pan. However, if you need to lift an engine using the oil pan, it is crucial to use a block of wood to distribute the load and prevent damage. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for using a block of wood to distribute the load:

First, it is important to understand that the oil pan is not designed to bear the full weight of the engine or vehicle. Using a block of wood helps to distribute the force more evenly, reducing the risk of denting or damaging the oil pan. The principle here is that pressure is equal to force divided by area, so by increasing the area over which the force is applied with a block of wood, you decrease the pressure on the oil pan.

When selecting a block of wood, choose a sturdy piece that is large enough to cover a good portion of the oil pan. Place the block of wood directly on the oil pan, ensuring that it is securely positioned and will not shift or slide during the lifting process. It is also recommended to position the jack at the edges, seams, or the mounting flange around the block to further distribute the load and reduce the risk of damage.

While using a block of wood helps to distribute the load, it is important to remember that the motor mounts and subframe still bear most of the weight. You are primarily pivoting about the weight-bearing points when positioning the engine with a jack and block of wood. Therefore, it is crucial to work slowly and pay attention to how the engine responds to the jack. If the engine is not moving as expected, stop and reassess, as continuing may result in bending or damaging components.

In addition, it is advised to use a cherry picker or an engine holder that attaches to the strut tower from above for more secure and stable support, especially if you need to hold the engine for an extended period. Alternatively, a non-hydraulic jack placed on the bottom of the crank balancer can be used in a pinch for temporary support.

Removing the oil pan without lifting the engine

One method is to use a jack to lift the engine. Place the jack under the oil pan with a block of wood to distribute the weight and lift the engine a few inches. You will need to loosen the motor mounts and remove the fan shroud first. Once the engine is lifted, place a piece of wood between the engine and the motor mount to hold it in place while you remove the oil pan.

Another method is to use a jack to lift the engine from the front of the bell housing. This will lift the engine and transmission together, so be careful not to break the transmission mount.

Keep in mind that these methods can be time-consuming and difficult, and you may need to remove other components such as the starter, distributor cap, and exhaust y-pipe to access the oil pan bolts. It is also important to use hardened bolts when lifting the engine to avoid breakage.

Using a blade to peel off the old gasket

When removing an oil pan gasket, it is important to be cautious and avoid using force that could damage the softer materials of modern engines.

One method of removing the old gasket is to use a blade. This can be done carefully and at an angle that is almost parallel to the surface. This will help to prevent gouging and ensure a smooth mating surface for the new gasket. It is important to note that metal blades should not be used on aluminium parts, as they will cause nicks in the metal. Instead, use a plastic or composite blade to avoid damaging the surface.

When using a blade, gently scrape away the old gasket material, working in small sections. This process can be time-consuming, but it is important to be thorough and ensure all the old gasket material is removed.

In addition to a blade, some solvents or chemicals can be used to help soften and remove the old gasket. These include gasket removers, brake fluid, acetone, diesel, kerosene, and xylene. However, care should be taken when using solvents, as they may be toxic and require proper protection, especially for the eyes.

Jacking up the motor by the balancer

If you need to jack up the engine, it is better to use a hoist or jack the engine from underneath by placing a jack under the front sump or the flanges of the oil pan. Even when using this method, it is important to use a block of wood to distribute the load and protect the oil pan.

If you must use the balancer method, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution. Ensure that the car is securely lifted and placed on jack stands. Loosen the motor mount bolts to allow for some movement of the engine. Place a block of wood between the balancer and the jack to distribute the force and reduce the risk of damage.

When jacking up the engine, it is important to go slowly and pay attention to any unusual resistance or noises. If you encounter any issues, stop and re-evaluate your approach. Remember that jacking up the engine by the balancer is not a recommended practice and can potentially cause damage to your vehicle.

• Securely lift the car: Use a car lift or jack to lift the car and place it on jack stands. Ensure that the car is stable and will not move during the process.
• Loosen motor mount bolts: Loosen the bolts on both motor mounts to allow for some movement of the engine when jacking it up.
• Place a block of wood: Put a block of wood between the harmonic balancer and the jack to distribute the force and reduce the risk of damage.
• Position the jack: Place the jack under the balancer, ensuring that the block of wood is secure and will not slip.
• Jack up the engine slowly: Start jacking up the engine slowly, paying close attention to any resistance or unusual noises. Stop immediately if you encounter any issues.
• Monitor for damage: Keep a close eye on the balancer, seals, and bearings for any signs of stress or damage during and after the process.
• Do not jack by the balancer again: While your engine may be unharmed this time, it is not worth the risk of causing damage to your vehicle. Use a hoist or jack the engine from underneath in the future.

Frequently asked questions