DIY Oil Pan Gasket
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,642
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From: Cape Coral, Florida
My 08 appears to be leaking but I want to verify exactly where it’s coming from before changing but I’m going to use my neighbors engine hoist to support the engine and drop the cradle a few inches and see how that works…I have a Quick Jack so I can get the car up 2 feet…jack stands will work…I’d do it yourself and save some money.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 197
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From: Eastern NC
I did my 2008 on jack stands and is a royal pain in the ****, but it can be done. I lifted the engine as high as I could, but you are limited by the rear of the intake hitting the cowl. I dropped the cradle as far as I could without taking the nuts off all the studs. Very tight to get your hands in there to get at two or three bolts. Also, a little difficult to get gasket sealer in the few places that require it before putting the pan back on.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 274
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From: Vestavia Hills, AL
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: CONCORD NC
I have been able to remove an oil pan by ratchet-strapping the engine to the shock towers, and lowering the cradle, but it is extremely tight. You can also lower the cradle a few inches and access the clutch bleeder from the top without doing any serious disassembly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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We've done the lower the cradle hoist the engine method a few times. Not the most fun but not to terrible either.
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Burning Brakes
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
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I've done it for various reasons on different cars. Once to do the oil pan, couple times to do work on the balancer/cam stuff. You can have the craddle completly out of the car in 20 minutes and have plenty of room to work around it. For the oil pan though you shouldnt have to drop it completely, just lower it down. Dont forget to RTV your corners where it meets with the front and rear covers.