oil pan removal on a 68 with 350 engine

[lt704]

I have a oil leak that looks like it is coming from the rear part of the oil pan gasket. My problem is that this truck came with a six cyl. engine and it now has a 8cyl. 350 engine. I want to change the gasket. It looks like the cradle will be in the way. Correct me if i am wrong but i cannot disconnect the motor mounts to raise the engine because the mount towers?? are connected to the cradle. Does this mean i will have to pull the engine to change the gasket? Thanks for the help.

[jhyder408]

yes, you have to pull the motor to swap the pan gasket. and no, you don't pull the towers, just the bolt that fastens the engine mount to the tower

[geezer#99]

No you don't need to pull the motor. Remove the bolts that hold the mount to the towers. They're inside the towers. Access from below. 11/16 or 3/4 inch socket.
Jack up or lift up the motor front about 4" and put wood blocks between the mounts and towers.
Watch the cap on your distributor for contact with the firewall. Watch your rad hoses and ps hoses to see they don't get stretched. Leave your exhaust hooked up. THe pipes will flex enough. REmove pan, clean it, straighten the bolt holes, clean old gasket off motor, put new gasket on motor, use a dab of silicone on each corner and bolt it back together. Easy! Peazy!!

[jhyder408]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

No you don't need to pull the motor. Remove the bolts that hold the mount to the towers. They're inside the towers. Access from below. 11/16 or 3/4 inch socket.
Jack up or lift up the motor front about 4" and put wood blocks between the mounts and towers.
Watch the cap on your distributor for contact with the firewall. Watch your rad hoses and ps hoses to see they don't get stretched. Leave your exhaust hooked up. THe pipes will flex enough. REmove pan, clean it, straighten the bolt holes, clean old gasket off motor, put new gasket on motor, use a dab of silicone on each corner and bolt it back together. Easy! Peazy!!

sorry, you can do that too. I like lots of room.

[lt704]

Thanks folks for your help. I am happy to say i can do it this way. Sorry for the delay in the thanks, i was on vacation.

Be safe,

Russ