help with changing oil pan and gasket

[zimvsdib]

I have a new oil pan i'm installing after i discovered the last person who tightened this oil plug broke all the threads.
I'm going to lift the car up by the transmission a few inches to preform this as well as changing out the engine mounts.

My question is, should i use some kind of sealer along with the new gasket?

If so what do you recommend?

[jangell]

I used high-tack spray sealant (specifically, Permatex High-Tack Sealant (80064)) on the oil pan gasket as part of swapping the lower crankcase from a 2.8L to a 3.0L, as detailed on my site (http://www.tmproductions.com/repairs-and-maintenance-blog/2014/7/6/reassembling-the-30l-lower-crankcase) (look for the "oil pan" section"). I used this guide to resealing a PRV (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?7419-How-To-Resealing-the-PRV-s-oil-leaks) from these forums, which is where the recommendation for the Permatex came from.

-- Joe

[David T]

I have a new oil pan i'm installing after i discovered the last person who tightened this oil plug broke all the threads.
I'm going to lift the car up by the transmission a few inches to preform this as well as changing out the engine mounts.

My question is, should i use some kind of sealer along with the new gasket?

If so what do you recommend?

There are repair kits you can buy to drill out and tap to a larger size. Much easier, cheaper and faster than replacing the pan. Removing the pan is no easy task. You have to lift the motor a LOT. After removing the bolts the pan is stuck on tightly, you have to pry it off and then chip the gasket away, it is rock-hard. A bead of silicone on both sides of the gasket is probably better than Permatex. The old pan can be repaired so don't throw it away, it is worth something to sell.

[zimvsdib]

Thanks guys, Joe i should always check your site before i post is so well done and its helped me before!

David, are you saying its possible to retap the pan while still in the car? There isn't much room to get at the drain plug opening.

Any direction you could point me in for the kit would be helpful.

[David T]

Thanks guys, Joe i should always check your site before i post is so well done and its helped me before!

David, are you saying its possible to retap the pan while still in the car? There isn't much room to get at the drain plug opening.

Any direction you could point me in for the kit would be helpful.

Go to a local auto store preferably not a chain store like Auto Zone. Tell the oldest counter guy there your problem and he will look up a kit for you. It can be done "in situ" (on the car,) you will just have to change the oil. There are also epoxy thread repair kits but I don't like them. You will have a hard time getting it clean enough and if you try to tighten the plug enough so it won't leak you will probably strip it out again. BTW the original threads were metric so try to do a metric repair and a metric plug. Bring the old plug. If the threads on the pan are OK but the threads on the plug are bad all you may need is a new plug. The Delorean venders sell plugs with built-in magnets. Very worst case you still have to pull the pan. It can be welded up, drilled out and retapped. A much better repair than oversizing or a thread insert.

[zimvsdib]

Awesome. thanks!
Going to the "old man" at my Autozone now.
I can feel a super thin ring of metal thread when i put my finger inside the pan. I can't get it out tho.
Is it cool if thats floating around in there?

[Bitsyncmaster]

I have used one of the rubber type plugs on a stripped oil pan with success. That type had a tool with it to remove in install it. You have to make sure you have enough clearance with out oil pan.

[zimvsdib]

I have used one of the rubber type plugs on a stripped oil pan with success. That type had a tool with it to remove in install it. You have to make sure you have enough clearance with out oil pan.

cool, i may have to try that. Thanks

Anyone know the metric size for the pan threads? Is it 10mm?

[Bitsyncmaster]

I have used one of the rubber type plugs on a stripped oil pan with success. That type had a tool with it to remove in install it. You have to make sure you have enough clearance with out oil pan.

This was not on the DeLorean. So any type you get you need to verify you have room to install and remove it.