I plan to drop my oil pan (1930 Model A), clean out the sludge and put everything back together again. I have no idea when the last time this was done. I've owned the car for about 10 years. The original motor has 80,000 miles. . .any hints on this venture
Recommend cleaning out the Valve Chamber. Do not forget to clean out the Oil Pump screen too with the Pan dropped.
You can purchase plastic guide pins instead of using the metal ones in the article. The plastic ones additionally guide/
hold the pan while you are putting the bolts in, and are easily removed for putting in the last bolts. Make sure to add some non-permanent thread sealant to the bolts to prevent leaks at the bolts , there a few bolt holes that are not blind and are open to oil. I prefer to use an anaerobic non-hardening sealant on the gasket surfaces, using my finger to minimally skim coat the gasket, to prevent the sealant from squishing into the inside of the pan, possibly breaking off and circulating in the oil. Another reason for using this type of sealant is that it remains a little flexible, makes it easier next time to remove the pan and cleaning off the sealant/old gasket. Do not over tighten the Pan bolts if using a cork gasket, can deform the gasket and also warp the pan.
When installing the Rope seal in the Pan, do not cut it flush on its ends flush with the pan. Leave some sticking up. The purpose is that when the pan is installed this will cause the rope seal to be pressed into its groove providing for proper sealing.
And definitely remember to use the Oil pump bolt to hold the oil pump in the block, otherwise it drops into the pan when you remove it. If you forget it may startle you. Do not substitute a plain bolt, a plain bolt can strip the block hole, and may crack the block, use the special pipe thread tool. Do not overtighen the bolt/screw against the distributor, can damage the distributor when over tightened. You also use this bolt to hold the distributor up when installing the pan.
A lot of this may be in the article above, but these are some highlights from difficulties I encountered trying how to do this correctly the 1st time.
Here is a link to oil pan installation guides, many of the venders sell these.
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/...TALLATION-GUIDES?fromCategory=SearchByKeyword