Removing Oil pan on a `39

T

te066538

Junior Member
Howdy: Any hot tips on removing the oil pan on a `39 while it's still on the car? I've got an oil leak that appears to be from the rear main and I'd rather fight a pack of wild dogs than pull the engine again. I've tried raising the engine some to get additional clearance with no success. Any suggestions? Thanx in advance, E.J.
 
If it’s a 39 engine it doesn’t have a seal at the rear main, it has a slinger. If your leaking oil in the rear it’s probably pushing past the rear main bearing.
 
Yeah, it's a 59A rather than an actual `39 engine. The `39 engine left in the 1960's. Still have to deal with whatever is causing the problem! What part of Alabama? That's where this car came from.
 
I'm not certain with the 1939s, but if they're like the '36 Fords, you'll probably have to undo the front motor mounts, disconnect the lower radiator hoses and then jack the engine up a couple inches to get enough room for the pan to clear the crankshaft counterweights. Oh, and don't forget about the two bolts at the rear that go into the pan from the topside. Hopefully an expert on the '39 Ford will chime in soon.
 
te066538 said:
Yeah, it's a 59A rather than an actual `39 engine. The `39 engine left in the 1960's. Still have to deal with whatever is causing the problem! What part of Alabama? That's where this car came from.
Click to expand...

Little north of Montgomery. The pan will come off but you will need to unbolt the wishbone cap and block the wishbone down with a piece of wood. Remove the exhaust cross over pipe and jack up the front of the engine.
 
I was born in Selma and grew up in Winston County until I went to college. The only thing you mention that I haven't yet done is unbolt the wishbone. How much hassle is that, and how easy is it to bolt back up? Thanks, E.J.
 
Also, you should turn the engine over to get the crankshaft in the proper position so the pan clears the throws and counterweights. After the pan is loose, it will drop down enough so you can look in there with a flashlight and see what has to be done. This is necessary on an 8BA, and since the 59A has a similar configuration, it should work on one of them too.
 
te066538 said:
I was born in Selma and grew up in Winston County until I went to college. The only thing you mention that I haven't yet done is unbolt the wishbone. How much hassle is that, and how easy is it to bolt back up? Thanks, E.J.
Click to expand...

Selma, Then you know where Prattville is , that’s where I’m at. Just two bolts where it rests in the center X member. Then you can pull down on the rear of the wish bone .
 
te066538 said:
... The only thing you mention that I haven't yet done is unbolt the wishbone. How much hassle is that, and how easy is it to bolt back up? Thanks, E.J.
Click to expand...

A bolt on each side of the retainer, not too big a deal to take off or put back together.
 
If you jack the engine up very much, better remove fuel pump stand, Ididn't on my 38 and broke it, I did this pan removal on a 38..can be done.....not easy
 
Plenty easy on my 34 roadster & yep it's a 47 59 A B. Didn't even have to lift the engine, just drop the A Bones about 4" stick a block of wood in to keep the space. Didn't even scratch the paint.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top