Oil pan removal, 1969 roadrunner 383

[Primal_Scream]

Hello everyone,
I had my oil pump go out and ran into some issues trying to take off my pan.
Please keep in mind I am not a mechanic, although I do like to do my repairs myself.
I've attached pictures because I don't know what the bar is called. Would be easier to pull the engine up with a lift, to get the pan off or take off this bar? What is it called? How hard is it to remove it? Once it is off should I replace anything like bushings? Thanks

 

[moparnation74]

Called the Centerlink bar....You might get enough clearance by popping off the Center link end attached to the pitnam arm off the steering box...The driver side header may be in the way. If it is on that same end pop off the tie rod and swing the centerlink out o the way.

 

[Daves69]

Would be easier to pull the engine up with a lift, to get the pan off or take off this bar?

The more room you make the easier it will be. You may need to do both. As you lift the engine make sure you're not bottoming on the tunnel and lifting the whole car.
You may also need to rotate the crank by hand to help clear some counter weights.
Before you remove/drop the drag link (or center link), determine what, if anything, is loose in the steering that you may need to replace.

 

[themechanic]

http://vintage.mitchell1.com/PClubData/chassis/den73/V2D735179.pdf

 

[Dibbons]

According to the guide, don't have to lift the motor for removing the small block pan from later model Plymouths. Well, I have my doubts about that (i'll be doing it myself in another week or two).

 

[WileE]

If your oil pump went, why are you taking off the pan ?

 

[Primal_Scream]

Big block. But It appears I did all of this for no reason, unlike my Pontiacs, the oil pump isn't in the pan. Dang nab it. Thanks for the info ya'll. Another learning lesson learned the hard way.

 

[Cranky]

Same kinda thing for the water pump.....it's an insert into the pump housing. I remember a guy that came into the parts house with the whole thing...pump AND housing and when he saw the small square box with the new pump in it, we all had a big laugh! 4 bolts removes the water pump and no accessories have to be removed. Anyways, how fast were you going when you noticed the loss of oil pressure?

 

[WileE]

It's ok.... I do alot of things for no reason.

 

[WileE]

And you don't have to lift the engine to remove the pan. Unbolt the tie rods and idler arm from the centerlink, and swing it out of the way.

 

[Dibbons]

And you don't have to lift the engine to remove the pan. Unbolt the tie rods and idler arm from the centerlink, and swing it out of the way.

Were you referring to big block only or both big block and small block?

 

[WileE]

He's got a big block

 

[65-440]

Let the center link hang down, pan comes right off ....

 

[Primal_Scream]

Cranky, when I was coming to a stop off the highway. At highway speed I had good pressure. As it was slowing down the pressure dropped.

 

[Primal_Scream]

To take the center link off of the pitnam arm, just remove cotter pin and nut? Any special puller needed or smack it a few times?

 

[Ranger16]

It's ok.... I do alot of things for no reason.

It's called the school of hard knocks, where the test comes before the lesson and tuition can sometimes be pricey, but lessons learned are never forgotten.
I think most of us have taken a class or two there.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Another learning lesson learned the hard way.

 

[WileE]

To take the center link off of the pitnam arm, just remove cotter pin and nut? Any special puller needed or smack it a few times?

See my prior post #10, you do NOT have to touch the pitman arm nut it can stay connected

 

[themechanic]

Though not required, raising the engine a bit in front helps fat fingers get to the bolts on the front end of the pan.

 

[themechanic]

To take the center link off of the pitnam arm, just remove cotter pin and nut? Any special puller needed or smack it a few times?

Go to Autozone (or local parts store) and rent the correct puller. You can use a pickle fork but they tend to tear the rubber dust boot.