Removing The Oil Pan In A 1979 Corvette

If you want to remove the oil pan from a 1979 Corvette, you'll need to follow a few steps. First, drain the oil and remove the oil filter. Then, you'll need to disconnect the idler arm from the frame and lower the steering link. If you have the stock GM starter, you'll need to remove it to access the bolts. Next, rotate the engine so you are 180 degrees down from the TDC. Finally, unbolt the oil pan and slide it out. It's important to take your time and be careful during this process. You may also want to disconnect the battery before beginning.

Jack up the car and use jack stands to support the frame forward of the suspension

To remove the oil pan from your 1979 Corvette, you'll need to jack up the car and use jack stands to support the frame forward of the suspension. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this safely:

Park your Corvette on a level surface: Find a flat, paved area, like a garage or driveway, to ensure your car is on even ground. This is crucial for stability when you jack up the car. Engage the parking brake and, if your Corvette has a manual transmission, put it in first gear.

Chock the wheels: Use wheel wedges, wood blocks, or bricks to block the wheels on the opposite side from where you'll place the jack. This prevents the car from rolling. For example, if you're jacking up the front, chock the rear wheels, and vice versa.

Locate the jack points: Consult your Corvette's owner's manual to identify the correct jack points. There should be one near each wheel and possibly additional ones between the front and rear wheels. The jack should make contact with a sturdy, unpainted area of the car's frame.

Position the jack: Place the jack under the car frame, at a jack point near the suspension. If you're raising the front or rear together, choose a centre point. Hydraulic jacks are recommended for their stability.

Raise the car: Pump the jack handle to raise your Corvette until it's high enough to allow you to put the jack stands in place. Ensure it's stable and doesn't slip off the jack point.

Place the jack stands: Position the jack stands near the jack, under the car's frame or reinforced points ("pinch welds"). Adjust their height so they're ready to support the car. Make sure they're properly rated for your Corvette's weight.

Transfer the car's weight: Slowly lower the car until it rests securely on the jack stands. You can then remove the jack or leave it in place for added security. Always ensure the car is supported by jack stands before getting underneath.

Test the stability: Before proceeding, gently push the car to ensure it's sturdy and doesn't shift on the jack stands. If it moves, adjust the stands' positioning.

Now that your 1979 Corvette is securely raised and supported, you can continue with the steps to remove the oil pan, such as unbolting the idler arm and removing the stock exhaust if necessary. Remember to prioritise safety throughout the process.

Unbolt the idler arm from the frame to drop the front steering assembly

To unbolt the idler arm from the frame to drop the front steering assembly of a 1979 Corvette, follow these steps:

First, jack up the car and place jack stands under the frame forward of the suspension. This will provide stability and ensure your safety during the procedure. Ensure that you are wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection.

Now, locate the idler arm. The idler arm is attached to the chassis and can be found directly beneath the radiator. Due to its location, removing and installing a new idler arm can be tricky, so proceed with caution. Before beginning this step, it is recommended to soak the fasteners with a penetrating lubricant for several days to make them easier to remove. Additionally, the radiator may need to be removed for easier access to the idler arm.

Once you have located the idler arm and are ready to proceed, use the appropriate tools to carefully unbolt the idler arm from the frame. Keep in mind that the fasteners have lock tabs that will need to be bent out of the way before you can completely remove them. With the idler arm successfully unbolted, you can now move on to dropping the front steering assembly.

With the idler arm disconnected, the front steering assembly linkages will pull down, giving you the necessary clearance to remove the oil pan. At this point, you will notice that the front wheels toe in towards each other. This is a normal occurrence during this procedure and will not affect the alignment of your Corvette.

By following these steps, you will have successfully unbolted the idler arm from the frame and dropped the front steering assembly of your 1979 Corvette, allowing you to access and remove the oil pan for maintenance or replacement. Remember to have the necessary tools and safety equipment on hand before beginning any automotive maintenance or repair work.

Remove the exhaust if it crosses under the oil pan

If you have a stock exhaust that crosses under the oil pan, you must remove it to avoid clearance issues. This is how you do it:

First, place your Corvette securely on jack stands. Then, remove the entire old exhaust system. If the old system has been in place for a long time, you will probably need a hacksaw, chisel, and sometimes a torch to totally remove it. Sometimes a big hammer will even help!

Next, lay out the new exhaust system to get an idea of how it fits together. Pre-fit all of the pipes. You may have to take a file and clean the edges so that the pipes slide freely into each other. This will make the installation much easier.

Additionally, whenever you install a new system, install a new heat riser valve. This will ensure that your exhaust system operates correctly. Install the heat riser and donut on the front Y-pipe and loosely mount it into place. It is also a good idea to use new exhaust studs and brass nuts on each exhaust manifold. This will also help to make the installation so much easier. This will also be helpful if you have to remove the front pipe at some later date. The brass nuts will not seize to the exhaust stud as a common steel or cadmium nut will.

Then, slide the inlet pipe through the hole in the frame and onto the front Y-pipe. Do not clamp it. Align the catalytic converter with the flange on the inlet pipe and start to bolt it into place. By leaving the inlet pipe loose, you can move it around so that you can bolt the converter into place. When the catalytic converter is bolted to the inlet pipe, slide it back onto the front Y-pipe.

Finally, mount the new rear Y-pipe exhaust hanger onto the body. Bolt the rear Y-pipe onto the catalytic converter and attach the rear hanger bracket around the pipe. Leave it loose for now. You just want this much of the exhaust system to hang in place.

Loosen the motor mount bolts and lift the engine slightly

To remove the oil pan from a 1979 Corvette, you will need to loosen the motor mount bolts and lift the engine slightly. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

First, locate the motor mount bolts on your Corvette. These bolts attach the engine to the frame of the car. There should be two motor mount bolts, one on each side of the engine. Once you have located the bolts, you can begin the process of loosening them.

Place a jack under the oil pan and lift the engine slightly to take the weight off the motor mounts. Make sure the jack is secure and stable before proceeding. Now, loosen the motor mount bolts by turning them counterclockwise with a socket wrench. Do not remove the bolts completely, just loosen them enough so that you can adjust the engine position.

With the motor mount bolts loosened, you can now lift the engine slightly to access the oil pan. Be very careful when lifting the engine, as it is heavy and can cause injury if it falls. Use a jack to slowly lift the engine, always being mindful of the tension on the motor mounts.

Once the engine is lifted, you can place wooden blocks or jack stands to support it in the new position. Do not rely solely on the jack to hold the engine in place. With the engine securely lifted, you will now have access to the oil pan and can proceed with the removal process. Remember to exercise caution and ensure the engine is securely supported throughout your work.

When you have finished working on the oil pan and are ready to lower the engine, follow these steps in reverse. Remove any wooden blocks or jack stands that are supporting the engine. Lower the engine slowly and carefully using the jack, ensuring that it is securely guided back into place. Once the engine is lowered, tighten the motor mount bolts to secure the engine in place. Finally, remove the jack from under the oil pan.

By following these steps, you can safely loosen the motor mount bolts and lift the engine slightly to access the oil pan on your 1979 Corvette. Always exercise caution when working on your vehicle and ensure that the engine is securely supported at all times.

Remove the oil pan, being careful not to damage the gasket

To remove the oil pan from a 1979 Corvette, first jack up the car and get jack stands under the frame forward of the suspension. Next, unbolt the idler arm from the frame. With that disconnected, the front steering assembly linkages will pull down, giving you the room to get the pan out. The front wheels will toe in towards one another. This is normal and will not affect alignment.

Then, remove the exhaust and starter. There will be ample clearance without having to rotate the crankshaft. You may need to use a floor jack to lift the engine about 1.5 inches. Place a small piece of wood spacer between the space that has now opened up between the bottom of the motor mount and the top side of the crossmember. Lower the engine and motor mount onto the wooden spacer. Remove the jack.

Now, remove the oil pan. Be careful not to damage the gasket. To avoid this, do not use a screwdriver to pry the pan loose, as this can bend the mounting surface. Tapping it with a mallet can also crack the pan if all bolts are not out, so double-check the bolt count and locations in the manual if the pan does not release easily.

Once the oil pan is off the vehicle, check it for metal shavings and clean all sludge out of the pan. Inspect for cracks before reinstalling it.

Frequently asked questions