The Perfect Oil Pan For Your 440 Dart Engine

The oil pan is a crucial component of an engine, and finding the right one for your vehicle can be challenging. In this case, we are discussing the oil pan for a 440 engine in a Dart, a classic car with a strong following. The 440 engine is a powerful option, but fitting it into the engine bay of a Dart requires some modifications, including to the oil pan, to ensure it doesn't hit the center link and other components. The oil pan capacity and type (such as a Milodon pan) are also considerations, as well as the method of oil pickup, which can be static or swivel, and the use of an external line. The steering linkage and purpose of the car also play a role in the oil pan choice.

Oil pan removal

To remove the oil pan from a 440 A-body engine, you will need to jack up the engine or drop the k-member. You will also need to drop the center link and remove the driver's side motor mount.

• Identify the problem by checking for common signs of an oil pan gasket leak, such as a puddle of oil under your car, smoke coming from the engine, or lower than normal oil levels.
• Confirm the source of the leak by cleaning the engine with a degreaser and going for a short drive. If you still see leaking oil from the oil pan, it is likely that the oil pan gasket needs to be replaced.
• Purchase the necessary replacement parts, including a new oil pan and gasket.
• Remove the oil pan by following these steps:

• Drain the oil and remove the wheel-well-liner pieces for easier access to the bolts.
• Remove all the oil pan mounting bolts.
• Gently pry the oil pan from the engine block, being careful not to bend or crack the pan.
• Clean the mounting surface on the engine and inspect the oil pan for any cracks or damage.

Install the new oil pan:

• Clean all sealing surfaces and install a new gasket or gasket-making material.
• Torque the mounting bolts to specification in the correct order, following a spiral pattern starting in the center.

• Reattach any accessory brackets and refill the crankcase with oil.
• Start the engine and inspect for leaks.

Note: Depending on your vehicle, you may need to remove additional components to access the oil pan, such as the front sub-frame, motor, or steering components. It is also recommended to refer to a service manual for vehicle-specific procedures and bolt locations.

Milodon single-line swivel pickup kit

The Milodon single-line swivel pickup kit is an external oil system that optimises oiling for all types of competition. The kit bypasses the stock internal oil passages and allows for the placement of the pickup in the best position, as well as the use of a free-flowing braided line. It is ideal for Pro Touring or Street and Strip applications where space is limited due to motor mounts.

The single-line swivel pickup kit will supply an adequate oil volume for engines running up to 7500 RPM when used with a Milodon #21814 or Mellings M63HV high-volume pump. It is compatible with either a tubular K-member or stock K-member and steering. The kit includes a billet pump cover, bolts, fittings, and a 12AN line.

The kit is recommended for use in AMC Street & Strip Cars or Jeep V8 Off-Road applications. It increases the oil system volume without modifying the oil pump or timing cover.

For the 440 Dart engine, it is recommended to use a C-body pan (stamped with 699 or 187) and to notch the K-member for optimal clearance.

Oil pan options

When it comes to choosing an oil pan for your 440 Dart, there are a few options to consider. The first factor to keep in mind is the engine's oil capacity. Most stock 440 engines use a 4-quart or 5-quart oil pan, including the 402 pan, which is commonly found in 1969 440 engines and some 383 engines from 1970 to 1971. However, there are also 6-quart and 7-quart pans available, which can be beneficial for high-performance engines or those with larger displacements.

If you're looking for a stock-style oil pan that will fit your 440 Dart with Schumacher mounts, consider a C-body pan with the stamp "699" or "187". These pans typically hold 5 quarts of oil and are a good option for a stock engine used as a daily driver. However, keep in mind that you may need to modify or notch the K-member to ensure proper clearance, especially if you have a big block engine.

For higher-performance engines or those with larger displacements, you may want to consider an aftermarket oil pan with a larger capacity. Milodon offers two pans that are commonly mentioned in online forums for the 440 Dart, although they are on the expensive side and may require additional modifications. One option is to use a static pickup with an external line, as suggested by a user in the Big Block Dart Forums. They drilled a hole in the pan for the static pickup and ran a -12 line from the pan to the oil pump. This setup worked well for their motor, which puts out around 650 horsepower.

Another option mentioned in the forums is a 7-quart pan from 440 Source (part #121-1002). This pan hangs a bit low but provides a good fit and is made of steel, making it more durable. Additionally, some users have recommended extending the bottom of the stock pan and adding a Hemi pickup to increase the oil capacity. It's important to use the correct pickup tube that matches the pan and engine combination.

When choosing an oil pan, it's essential to consider your engine's specifications, intended use, and the clearance with other components. Online forums and resources like the Schumacker Creative Services website can provide valuable insights and schematics to help you make an informed decision.

Oil pan modification

Removal of the Oil Pan:

The first step in modifying your 440 Dart's oil pan is to safely remove it. According to experienced mechanics on the Big Block Dart Forums, you will need to drop the center link and jack up the engine to access the oil pan. It is also recommended to remove the driver's side motor mount for better clearance.

Selecting a Replacement Oil Pan:

When choosing a replacement oil pan, you have a few options. You can opt for a factory 187 pan, which typically holds around 5 quarts of oil. Alternatively, you can explore aftermarket solutions, such as the Milodon 30930 pan or a 7-quart pan from 440 Source. Consider your desired oil capacity and ensure the selected oil pan is compatible with your engine and K-member configuration.

Notching the K-Member:

Some oil pans with deeper sumps may require you to notch the K-member to avoid interference. This is especially important if you are installing the oil pan from the bottom with the engine already in place. However, some builders in the community have mentioned that they did not have to notch the K-member, so it may depend on your specific setup.

Oil Pickup and Tubes:

When modifying your oil pan, it is crucial to consider the oil pickup and tubes. Ensure that the pickup tube is compatible with your oil pan and engine. You may need to extend the pickup tube or modify it to match the depth of your new oil pan. Additionally, baffles are recommended to be installed in the oil pan to enhance oil control and prevent starvation during cornering or hard acceleration.

Welding and Fabrication:

If you are modifying the oil pan by welding patch panels or making other structural changes, a MIG welder is a useful tool for the job. Tack weld the patch panels in place and use a body hammer to gently contour the metal to the desired shape. The heat from the tack welds will make the metal more compliant, allowing for easier shaping.

External Oil Lines:

In some cases, you may need to modify your oil pan to accommodate external oil lines. This typically involves drilling a hole in the pan and installing a static pickup with an external line running to the oil pump. Ensure that all fittings and lines are securely attached and sealed to prevent leaks.

Remember to consult with experienced mechanics and professionals before undertaking any significant modifications to your vehicle. Online communities and forums, such as the Big Block Dart Forums, can be valuable resources for specific advice and insights related to your 440 Dart engine.

Oil capacity

The oil capacity of a vehicle depends on the engine's size and type. For example, the oil capacity of a 2016 Dodge Dart with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine (engine code ED8) is 5.5 quarts (with filter) of 0W-20 synthetic oil. On the other hand, a 2.0L 4-cyl engine (engine code ECN) requires 5 quarts (with filter) of the same oil.

Now, when it comes to the 440 engine, the oil capacity can vary depending on the specific vehicle and engine configuration. In one instance, a user with a 440 engine in their 1969 Coronet R/T mentioned that their stock pan holds 4 quarts, 5 with the filter. Another user with a 440 engine from 1969 was advised to put 7 quarts in their 7-quart Moroso oil pan.

For the 440 Dart specifically, it appears that the oil pan capacity is typically around 5 to 7 quarts. One user with a '70 Dart and a 440 engine mentioned having a 7-quart Milodon oil pan. Another user with a 440 engine in a 72 Duster was recommended to use a C-body pan (699 or 187 stamped), which usually holds 5 quarts with the filter.

It's worth noting that oil capacity can be influenced by various factors, including the type of oil pan, oil pan modifications, and even the steering linkage used.

Frequently asked questions