72 Lt1 oil pan removal

[James G.]

I am getting ready to drop my oil pan to replace gaskets, timing chain and chain cover seal. The service manual does not mention lifting the engine to remove the pan. Is the manual right with this?

[Jim T.]

Re: 72 Lt1 oil pan removal

James reference the 1971 Chassis Service Manual on page 6-33 Installation it lists as step 6 to raise the engine remove the wood blocks and lower the engine on the engine mounts.

Installing the blocks is not mentioned under the immediate previous section on Corvette oil pan removal.

Raising the engine and insterting the blocks will give the room needed to lower the pan.

Did you see the part about rotating the engine so the timing mark on the damper is at the 6 o'clock position?

Just swinging the starter out to give access to the oil pan bolts pivoting on the outside bolt with the starter brace removed will save some work.

[Roy V.]

Re: 72 Lt1 oil pan removal

I was able to remove mine without having to lift the engine. I just drained the oil, jacked up the car. removed the front drivers side wheel, crawled underneath and loosened up all the bolts, if I rember correctly one or two of the bolts were longer than the others so just remember how they come out.
Regards

[John H.]

Re: 72 Lt1 oil pan removal

I've never found it necessary to raise and block the engine to remove the pan. Unbolt the steering idler from the frame, pull the steering linkage down, set the timing index line on the balancer at 5 o'clock to get the front counterweight up out of the way, and remove the pan.

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 Lt1 oil pan removal

I've never found it necessary to raise and block the engine to remove the pan. Unbolt the steering idler from the frame, pull the steering linkage down, set the timing index line on the balancer at 5 o'clock to get the front counterweight up out of the way, and remove the pan.

John-----


Me too----works every time. Big block or small block.

[James G.]

Re: 72 Lt1 oil pan removal

Thanks guys for your replys. I should have mentioned it is a 72. My service manual covers pretty much all that was said, but I must not have read the part about the wood blocks. I usually am reading when I am way to tired to focus.(tough to get old) . John you say 5 o'clock the manual says 6 o'clock so maybe I should do 5:30?