Oil pan dent

[Daveje]

Should I be worried? Pan has a decent size dent(1/2" deep) on the bottom but my oil pressure is fine. Is this something where a cracked pick-up tube or whatever could give out at any time or once it's dented, and your oil pressure is still good, you should be fine? Car is an '85 if that makes a difference.

[velozi]

Have you noticed any difference in oil pressure or engine behavior? Mine has a small dent on the front with no issues.

[Daveje]

When I got the car about a year ago it was already dented so don't know, oil pressure seems fine though, 55 or so at cold start and about 30 when at hot idle, no fluctuation or anything like that. Just wondering if it's a disaster waiting to happen.

[So Cal Mark]

if the pickup is broken, you won't notice any trouble until the oil level gets low, Then your engine will suffer fatal damage to the lower end. Drain the oil, then use a long screwdriver to reach in through the drain plug hole and feel for the pickup.

[Daveje]

Thanks Mark, I'll check it out this weekend. Hopefully it will be obvious whether it's broken or not so i don't have to pull the pan.

[wachuko]

Is labor intensive... but might be good just to take it out, inspect everything, get the bent out, install a new oil pan gasket.

Looks so pretty once you push all those bent out...

Before:



After:


And a photo of the oil pick up so you know what you will find...

[rlux4]

Jaime, I've gotta say, it sure is nice having you on the forum. Your pictures are always helpful, and spot on.
Ron

[124cso]

But can you get the pan off, 9 and out), with the motor in situ ?

[wachuko]

But can you get the pan off, 9 and out), with the motor in situ ?

Yes. You loosen the motor mounts, use a jack to lift the transmission (lifting the motor in the process), loosen (not remove) the cross member bar and you should have enough clearance to remove the oil pan. At least that is what I did.

[Daveje]

Thanks for the pics Jaime, that's exactly what I wanted to see but didn't think someone would actually have pics! I poked around in there with a screwdriver,didn't fell anything broken or loose so Ifeel pretty comfortable it's OK. i'll make sure to keep the oil up though and plan to pull the pan when i get a chance if nothing else to repaint and neaten up down there.