85 C10 removing oil pan

[Zach079xxx]

I had my abc 350 rebuilt about a month ago, ran great. I drove it to school 45 miles on the interstate at 70 MPH ran great but on the way home something came loose. Either my manifolds are rattling like a SOB or its my high volume oil pump. I've read the the inlet tube should be welded / locktite on, but I didn't install it and don't know if it was or not. I changed the oil today because it needed it, should've done it then honestly.. No metal was in it. I added the new oil and filter back in but now I'm thinking of draining it and pulling the pan to see if its my oil pump rattling so bad..

Can I remove it without with the engine in the truck? Again, its an 85 GMC C10 2WD

Whats the torque rating on the pan? Thanks guys

[69heavychevy]

I did it on my 69 and had to raise the motor 1/2" or so. Cross member dimensions are pretty similar from 67-87 so I'm guessing it would be the same deal.
I'm sure someone will chime in with a more definitive answer.

[Zach079xxx]

Abc lol I meant to say SBC up top, can't edit it now. Man that sucks.. I'm no mechanic and I wanna be able to do this but if the motor needs to be lifted I'm taking it to a shop.

Originally Posted by 69heavychevy

I did it on my 69 and had to raise the motor 1/2" or so. Cross member dimensions are pretty similar from 67-87 so I'm guessing it would be the same deal.
I'm sure someone will chime in with a more definitive answer.

[69heavychevy]

It wasn't too difficult.
I had to unbolt the motor mounts and trans mount. Then lifted it at the harmonic balancer using a jack and 2x4.
If you dont feel comfortable doing it then I would recommend you take it to a shop.

[69heavychevy]

Also why not take it to the shop that did the work? They should have some sort of warranty I hope.

[Zach079xxx]

Well, the guy is out of town until November. Something with family I believe he said. He built my engine and trans. If its something I can do without too much work, I'd rather get my hands a little dirty then lug it up to his place.

Originally Posted by 69heavychevy

Also why not take it to the shop that did the work? They should have some sort of warranty I hope.

[f.monroe]

Are the lifters rattling? If so take the valve covers off and watch the rocker arms. Make sure they are all moving Correctly. Unfortunately thats probably about how long it takes to wipe out cam lobes if it wasn't broke in correctly by the guy that built it. Hopefully that's not the problem. Does it still have good power? If so it's probably not the cam.

[Zach079xxx]

Sounds coming from underneath as far as I can tell, don't think it's coming from under the valve covers. Cam was broke in right, he told me how he went about it. Primed it and everything before turning the key. No loss of power, runs great just an awful rattle. Oil pressure is reading normal, 50-60 PSI because it's a higher up pump. Ran like that since the day I got it.

Originally Posted by f.monroe

Are the lifters rattling? If so take the valve covers off and watch the rocker arms. Make sure they are all moving Correctly. Unfortunately thats probably about how long it takes to wipe out cam lobes if it wasn't broke in correctly by the guy that built it. Hopefully that's not the problem. Does it still have good power? If so it's probably not the cam.

[80SPORT]

Very unlikely to be an oil pump issue.
Try to isolate noise while motor is running using a piece of pipe as a stethoscope.
If it is an internal contact noise a baffle in pan could be loose.
You could pull the plugs and spin it over and see if noise is still there.
Pull distributor and run oil pump with a primer if you still think it could be pump.(easier than pulling pan)
As Frank noted...lifters make clicking noises that can transmit thru the engine.
But have a very good look for a shroud or bracket on the outside.
And check harmonic balancer for damage or marks;I have seen them rub the crossmember.
Pull flywheel pan cover and check for contact or loose flywheel.

[Hiluxxulih]

You should be able to drop the oil pan without lifting the engine up , I removed mine to check the rod bearings , its the 305 but the 350 should be the same I would think .

[Zach079xxx]

I'm gonna get up underneath tomorrow and take a close look and decide then. Thanks guys, wanted to have some other opinions.

[bigblock73]

Oil pans, from small block to big block on 73-87's, can be removed by simply removing the pan bolts. I recommend using the fel pro one piece gasket...makes the job much easier.

[Zach079xxx]

I bought a fel pro engine gasket kit before doing the build. It does indeed have a one piece gasket. Is the torque for the bolts 12 pounds? That's what I've seen online.

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Oil pans, from small block to big block on 73-87's, can be removed by simply removing the pan bolts. I recommend using the fel pro one piece gasket...makes the job much easier.

[Zach079xxx]

Before digging into the oil pan and dealing with that mess, I took my sisters stethoscope and creeped underneath while it was running. Oil pan no noise, tranny no noise, bell housing NOISE. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the cover that covers the flywheel/flex plate whatever you wanna call it and the torque converter. Took that off and it was fine! No noise. Looked at it and my flywheel was grinding it, took some paint off and it's bent. Where can I get a new one? What's the real name, if I'm getting it wrong? Dust cover/plate? I'm a happy guy right now.

[77 Big 10]

Inspection cover has been the name I used.

[cadillac_al]

I'm sure it can be straightened to work good enough.

[Zach079xxx]

I'm going to straighten it paint it and install it back in, if the noise comes back I'll know to check it and see if paint is missing. Thanks guys

[80SPORT]

Originally Posted by Zach079xxx

Before digging into the oil pan and dealing with that mess, I took my sisters stethoscope and creeped underneath while it was running. Oil pan no noise, tranny no noise, bell housing NOISE. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the cover that covers the flywheel/flex plate whatever you wanna call it and the torque converter. Took that off and it was fine! No noise. Looked at it and my flywheel was grinding it, took some paint off and it's bent. Where can I get a new one? What's the real name, if I'm getting it wrong? Dust cover/plate? I'm a happy guy right now.

The General calls it "cover,trans conv"

[Zach079xxx]

Thanks. I'll be buying a new one or going to the junkyard if this one acts up again!

Originally Posted by 80SPORT

The General calls it "cover,trans conv"