Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cutting hole in oil pan?

[mfunderburgh]

I got a tappet to remove from my oil pan that shattered and fell off my cam last week. I was wondering if anyone has ever cut a hole in the bottom or the side of the oil pan to allow them to put their hand in and reach around in there? I know you can loosen the motor mounts and lift the motor enough to drop the oil pan a little and get your hand in between the block and pan but, i really dont feel like doing this. I was thinking about just cutting a 4x4 hole in the side of the oil pan and then screwing a 5x5 piece of sheet metal over it with machine screws. I could make a gasket and also use some sealent to hopefuly seal it back up. What are your guys's thoughts? Matt

 

[bighammer]

I wonder if it really needs to come out. What about tilting the truck to one side a bit, then using the drain hole and a wire to chase it to a strong (rare earth?) magnet on the side/bottom of the pan to keep it in place.



Just a thought. (not necessarily a GOOD one )

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Dad and I took his pan down to retrieve a tappet that fell when he slid the cam in.



We didn't jack the engine up or anything and had plenty of room to stick our hands in the sump and pick up that #$&! tappet.



Matt

 

[mfunderburgh]

I had to replace the oil pan once on this truck. I know i could barely even get my hand in between the oil pan and the block to unbolt the sump line. There was no way i could have gotten my hand in there for a tappet. Enterprise told me they just lift up the motor and that makes enough room. They also said that if it was them they would get the tappet out. Matt

 

[BPonci]

Unbolt both motor mount bolts. Remove valve covers{to gain extra clearance}lift motor up and remove oil pan. Works every time for me. I have done a few.

 

[Dieselnerd]

If there is enough space that you could insert one of those extendable magnets (looks like a magnet on the end of an antenna) you might be able to get it out. Wrap the magnet in plastic so it will slide along the bottom of the pan and still be able to grab on to the tappet. I've fished out a lot of parts with my trusty old extendable magnet.

 

[Coalsmoke]

Don't you also have to loosen the exhaust? Is taht seriously all you have to do to get the pan off? (covers and two main mount bolts?) I'm asking b/c I am thinking about replacing my pan, but was worried when i looked at what it would take to jack up the engine.