choke artist Posted March 9, 2012 Report Share Posted March 9, 2012 So after changing my thermostat, my little '83 720 is running like a champ! I noticed that its dripping a little oil and it's looking like the oil pan gasket needs changing. I'm thinking of getting under there this weekend and making it happen but I'm wondering if there's anything I need to be aware of.... Any tips or things to do while I'm under there? It's a new truck for me and I'll probably do an oil and filter change while I'm at it. Thanks! Quote Link to comment
DAT510 Posted March 9, 2012 Report Share Posted March 9, 2012 The gasket is going to be stuck on, try not to pry off the gasket with too much force, because you can damage the gasket surface. Hainz says to firmly tap the oil pan on the side with your palm to break it loose from the gasket. :D Quote Link to comment
Son_of_a_Datsun_Guy Posted March 9, 2012 Report Share Posted March 9, 2012 Check the lip of the oil pan around the bolt holes, sometimes whoever last replaced the gasket will have tightened the bolts too much and the metal around the holes will be bent inwards, try to CAREFULLY straighten them with a body dolly, or a piece of thick-ish steel and a small hammer (placing the metal piece/ dolly behind the holes and lightly tapping the other side with the hammer to straighten them out). Quote Link to comment
DanielC Posted March 9, 2012 Report Share Posted March 9, 2012 First, try to tighten the bolts. Not too tight, one hand on a 1/4 inch ratchet. If you have to change the gasket, clean the surface on the block really good. Clean the pan surface good also. I set the lip of the oil pan on a block of wood, and take a small ball peen hammer, with the ball held down on each hole, tap the face of the ball peen to flatten out the dimple caused by the bolts being tightened the last time. Quote Link to comment
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