Removing the oil pan

[Dollar Bill]

The oil pump shaft screwdriver slot is buggered up as shown in the below photo.

Two questions:

1. Any thoughts on how to get it out? Engine is still in the car so access is somewhat limited.

2. If I remove the oil pan, will I be able to reinstall the pan without the usual method of supporting the oil pump via the plug that I can't get out?

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Yes you can. If the screw doesn't leak oil, just leave it alone. To hold the oil pump in place just run a piece of thin wire around it and hold it tight with a bungee cord. Once you get a few pan bolts started, then remove the thin wire around the oil pump and finish tightening the pan bolts.

 

[Dollar Bill]

Awesome! Tom you are the man!!

No, it doesn't leak so I will proceed with the project.

Thank you again!

 

[Patrick L.]

It'll also make it a bit easier to cut the head off a few longer bolts [ taper them] and use them as guides to help line up the pan.

 

[CarlG]

Here's another slick way to get the pan back in place: (available at Snyder's)

 

[Brentwood Bob]

might look at the damaged plug from the interior of the engine while you can to try to learn what you have. I realize in a perfect world you would be better able to remove the plug with the engine out, but if you button up the pan after struggling with the oil pump issue all you will know is that the plug was damaged.
you might try wedging a flat screw driver in the damaged slot and get lucky. just don't use too big a hammer.
Bob

 

[mshmodela]

Ah nice trick Tom, my block never that the oil pump hole drilled and tapped so I'm looking at the same one day likely...

 

[Mitch//pa]

i am with Tom to leave it alone , as its not that important plus why open up additional unknown worms

 

[Dollar Bill]

Bob, as you suggested, I put a 1X4 against the frame and just happened to have a screwdriver that was the right length - Had to tap it into the slot. It still wouldn't turn. Sometime earlier in it's life, the screwdriver slot was buggered up so there isn't much of a slot left.

I'm taking Tom & Mitch's advise and leave it alone. When/if I pull the engine, I'll get after it then.

Carl, I just bought a set of those - Will be my first time using them. Have always used studs in the past.

I'm pretty sure the plug is brass so the washer trick won't work.

Thanks for all of your responses - I appreciate you!

 

[Dollar Bill]

Thanks Coupe, I'll try that with the engine out. Right now, I'm just going to let sleeping dogs lie

 

[Brentwood Bob]

At least now you are aware of the problem.
Bob

 

[Henry1953]

I got the one out of my engine by using a screw removal tool that has a special drill bit on one end and the removal tool on the other. I had to heat the plug after inserting the removal tool and used a side ratchet to put pressure on it to back it out. It came out without much trouble and no damage to the threads in the block.