Well, It Can't Be A Piston

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EP: Can the oil pan of my big block Chevelle be removed with the engine in the car? Does the transmission have to be separated from the engine? How far do I have to lift the engine in order to gain the clearance I need to get the pan off? I recently found a chunk of metal attached to the magnetic drain plug and need to investigate where it came from. It does not look good, even though the car runs great.

GM: I did it once on my '68, but by the time I got the clearance needed to remove the pan, the engine was just about out. For the tools and time required, you're better off just pulling the engine, particularly since you want to get a good look inside. Before removing the oil pan and engine, I would pull the valve covers and inspect to valve train, disassembling the rocker arm assemblies one at a time. Look at all the pieces separately, particularly the base of the rocker at the pivot point and that "half-ball-thing" that sits in it. Since your debris is attracted to a magnet, it can't be a piece of piston.

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Archivist: Tom Wilson


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