Small Block Oil Pan Installation Question

[Larry M.]

On a 1972 350 4-speed car, it appears as if the clutch inspection cover must be installed after the oil pan is attached to the block, not before, in order for the two tabs on the cover to straddle the lip on the oil pan rail. Is that correct?

I removed the pan without removing the inspection cover, and didn't notice any resistance when I did so, so I'm not sure what the process is. In the oil pan installation section, the chassis service manual makes no mention of the inspection cover. Also, the starter would need to be removed before the inspection cover.

Thanks for any info.

Larry

[Joe L.]

Re: Small Block Oil Pan Installation Question

On a 1972 350 4-speed car, it appears as if the clutch inspection cover must be installed after the oil pan is attached to the block, not before, in order for the two tabs on the cover to straddle the lip on the oil pan rail. Is that correct?

I removed the pan without removing the inspection cover, and didn't notice any resistance when I did so, so I'm not sure what the process is. In the oil pan installation section, the chassis service manual makes no mention of the inspection cover. Also, the starter would need to be removed before the inspection cover.

Thanks for any info.

Larry

Larry-------


Yes, the bell housing cover does need to be removed prior to oil pan removal IF the cover has the tabs. I can tell you, for certain, that the cover used for 1969 did not have the tabs. Just when they were added I do not know. That's partially because the part number for the cover never changed when the tabs were added---it was always GM #3843943 from 1964 right through 1974. But, somewhere along the way (or, afterwards in SERVICE) the tabs were added. Just when, I do not know. I wish I did. Maybe folks with original 1970-74 Corvettes with 4 speed could check and report.

Actually, I'm not absolutely certain that the bellhousing cover with the tabs does need to be removed prior to oil pan removal. It might be possible to "angle it out". However, installing the pan properly would be extremely difficult with the tab-style cover in place.

The starter does need to be removed prior to removing the cover.

[Larry M.]

Re: Small Block Oil Pan Installation Question

Joe,

Thanks for the confirmation. I didn't notice the tabs on the cover until I was cleaning the old gasket and seal material from the block flange, and when I did, I suspected I might have those additional steps to perform.

Larry

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Small Block Oil Pan Installation Question

Larry,
I just recently removed the oil pan on my 1973 L48 350 4 speed. I checked the 1973 Chevrolet Service Manual for Corvette oil pan removal to see what was involved. It never mentioned anything about any tabs. All I did was remove the two bolts holding my power steering idler arm to the frame(after I marked where it was). This allowed my steering linkage to sag enough for the pan to clear for easy removal. I removed old gasket material, cleaned everything really well. Made sure my pan rails were super straight. Applied some Black RTV only in the corners to get a good seal at the bell housing area in the rear and the timing cover up front. I noticed no tabs to speak of. Made sure all areas were super clean and made sure my pan rails were super straight before re- installation. Never touched anything to do with the clutch either. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Jimmy