Easy Guide: Installing Small Block Ford Oil Pan

Oil pans are critical to an engine's health, but they don't always get the attention they deserve. Installing an oil pan on a small block Ford is a fairly straightforward process, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. It is essential to purchase a quality aluminium oil pan with a front sump style that matches your oil pump and pickup screen. The mounting lip should be thick, and it is crucial to ensure that the mounting surface is clean and free of contaminants. Only Grade 8 mounting hardware and washers should be used, and the bolts should be torqued to 15 ft. lbs. Additionally, it is important to use a rubber oil pan gasket with steel within the gasket to ensure a proper, leak-free installation.

Oil pan gasket

The oil pan gasket is an essential component of your engine's health. When installing an oil pan gasket on a small block Ford, there are several steps to follow for an optimal, leak-free installation.

First, it is important to purchase a quality gasket. For a Ford 302 engine, a 1-piece rubber gasket with steel within the gasket is recommended. Ford Racing offers a suitable gasket, part number M-6710-A50, which can be purchased from Summit Racing for $19.97.

Before placing the oil pan gasket on the block, spray WD-40 into the inside of the pan and wipe it out. This ensures that none of the manufacturing oils get on other internal engine parts.

Next, squeeze RTV into the corners of the timing cover and at the corners of the rear main cap. Place the rubber gasket on the block, following the outline of the block, and fit the circular portions of the gasket into the grooves on the timing cover and the rear main cap. Ensure that the mounting surface is clean and free of any contaminants.

Finally, place the pan over the gasket and begin putting anti-seize on the bolts from the oil pan bolt kit. Torque these bolts to 12-15 ft-lbs.

The installation of the oil pan gasket is now complete.

Oil pump pickup

The oil pump pickup is a critical component of your engine's wellbeing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install the oil pump pickup for a small block Ford:

Firstly, purchase a quality aluminium oil pan that is front sump style to match your new oil pump and pickup screen. When considering an oil pan, ensure the mounting lip is thick with a good amount of material. It is also important to use a 1-piece rubber oil pan gasket that has steel within the gasket.

Before installing the oil pump pickup, it is a good idea to test the fit of the oil pan. Place the oil pan on the block and pay attention to whether the pan is clearing the pickup and the oil pump. If it is not clearing the pickup or the oil pump, do not proceed as serious damage will result to the pan or the pickup.

Now, to the oil pump pickup installation:

Step 1

Place two drops of either new engine oil or another engine-friendly lubricant on the gasket. This will help keep the gasket in place while you are mating the pickup surface to the pump surface.

Step 2

Prepare the oil pump pickup bolts that will be screwed into the oil pump by putting a small amount of anti-seize compound on the end of the threads. Do not put bolts in without applying anti-seize prior to installation as an inaccurate torque may result.

Step 3

Once the oil pump pickup gasket has been placed on the face of the pump, torque the bolts that connect the pickup to the pump to 12-15 ft-lbs with a 3/8 12-point hex head.

Step 4

After the two oil pickup bolts have been installed and torqued down, take the 9/16 hex socket head and tighten the nut down so that the pickup is secured to the supplied bolt.

Step 5

Once you have verified that the pan will fit without any problems, it is now time to install the oil pan gasket. First, squeeze the RTV into the corners of the timing cover and at the corners of the rear main cap.

Step 6

Place the provided rubber gasket on the block, following the outline of the block. Ensure that you fit the circular portions of the gasket into the grooves on the timing cover and the rear main cap.

Step 7

Place the pan over the gasket and begin putting anti-seize on the bolts from the oil pan bolt kit. Note that there are four bolts that are larger than the others. These larger bolts go into the holes directly to the left and right of the centre of the timing cover and the rear main cap. The remaining smaller bolts fill in the other spots along the pan's sides.

Step 8

Torque all of the bolts to 12-15 ft-lbs.

Step 9

Once this is completed, the installation of the oil pickup, gasket, and pan is finished.

You can purchase oil pump pickups for small block Fords from Moroso, with prices ranging from $106.99 to $117.99.

Bolt torque

When installing an oil pan, it is important to torque the bolts correctly to ensure a snug fit that prevents leaks. The torque value for oil pan bolts is typically around 10 to 15 ft-lbs, with some sources specifying 12 to 15 ft-lbs. It is recommended to use a torque wrench that can measure in inch-pounds, as overtightening with a larger torque wrench can cause damage. For small block Ford oil pans, the bolt torque values may differ for large and small bolts.

For a 1982 351w block with a stamped steel oil pan, the recommended torque values are 15 ft-lbs for small bolts and 18 ft-lbs for large bolts. It is important to follow a criss-cross pattern when tightening the bolts, starting in the middle and working outwards. This helps to ensure an even seal and prevents overtightening, which can lead to damage or leaks.

Another source recommends torque values of 180 in-lbs for small bolts and 216 in-lbs for large bolts on a similar setup. It is also advised to lubricate the bolts with oil or light grease if using a rubber gasket, as this allows the gasket to slide and prevents binding.

When installing a Ford Racing 5.0L Oil Pan Kit in a 1979-1995 5.0L Mustang, the torque value for the main bolts is specified as 70 ft-lbs, tightened in three equal increments. The oil pump pickup bolts, which connect the pickup to the pump, should be torqued to 12 to 15 ft-lbs.

It is worth noting that some mechanics prefer to tighten oil pan bolts by feel, without using a torque wrench. This method relies on experience and a good sense of the proper torque for small fasteners. However, using a torque wrench is generally recommended for those who do not have this level of experience.

Bolt size

The bolt size will depend on the type of engine you have.

For a Small Block Ford 302 Roller, the bolts you will need are 1/4″ x 20 x 1" and the end bolts are 5/16 x 20 x 1″. It is recommended to use Grade 8 mounting hardware and washers and to torque the bolts to 15 Ft. Lbs.

For a Small Block Ford 289, 302, 351W/C, you will need a bright zinc-plated (silver) grade 5 hex flange with locking serrations for positive retention and clamping force. The bolt sizes are (18) 1/4"-20 x 1/2" and (6) 5/16"-18 x 3/4".

For a Small Block Ford V8 260, 289, 302, 351W, you will need a bolt kit that includes 18ea 1/4x5/8” and 4ea 5/16x3/4” bolts.

For a Small Block Ford 289-302-351W/C, you will need a black finish 12-point head and 8740-grade material. The kit contains 18 x 12-point bolts with a 12.85mm under-head length and a 13.10mm head diameter. 1/4"-20 thread. 4 x 12-point bolts with a 13.70mm under-head length and a 15.55mm head diameter. 5/16"-18 thread. 18 x flat small washers with a 13.85mm outside diameter, 6.50mm inside diameter, and 1.9mm thickness. 4 x flat large washers with a 16.65mm outside diameter, 8.20mm inside diameter, and 1.9mm thickness.

Washers

The washers help distribute the load evenly and provide accurate torque readings. In the case of small block Ford oil pans, hardened parallel washers are typically used in combination with Grade 8 mounting hardware. This grade of hardware is specifically recommended for attaching the oil pan to the engine block.

The size and quantity of washers required may vary depending on the specific oil pan and engine configuration. For example, an oil pan bolt kit for a Small Block Ford Windsor or Cleveland engine includes 18 small washers with an outside diameter of 13.85 mm, an inside diameter of 6.50 mm, and a thickness of 1.9 mm. Additionally, the kit includes four large washers with an outside diameter of 16.65 mm, an inside diameter of 8.20 mm, and the same thickness of 1.9 mm.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and torque specifications when installing the washers and bolts. For instance, the bolts used with the washers should be torqued to 15 Ft. Lbs. for a secure and proper installation.

Frequently asked questions