Oil pan

[mulrik]

Just a quick one. Does anybody know if it possible to remove the oil pan without taking out the entire engine block??? It seems to me that the crossmember is in the way? I need to change the leaky oil pan gasket.
Thanks!

'67 250 SL Papyrus White 113043-10-000023

[Cees Klumper]

I have not tried this but it seems to me that, if necessary to gain extra clearance, you could undo the bolts at the ends of the engine supports (going into the rubber engine mounts) and lift the engine up a few inches. Check to make sure the exhaust downpipes will allow for the movement. You might have to also undo the rear transmission mount which is (relatively speaking) a lot more work.
But maybe someone who knows better can shed some light on this question. Amazing how new questions keep coming up all the time!

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[jeffc280sl]

I recently changed the oil pan gasket on my 1970 280SL without any special effort.  It's a little tight by it can pretty easily be done.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[jeffc280sl]

I need to add a note to my comments.  My motor mounts are new so this may or may not come in to play with your car.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[ja17]

Hello mulrik,
As Jeff mentioned the steel sub-pan is removable from below. A long straight 5mm allen wrench is needed. These steel sub pans do have a fairly thick paper gasket. Often times just the allen bolts become loose over time.
Cees, the large aluminum oil pan normally cannot be removed unless the engine is lifted or the front suspension crossmember is lowered. There is no gasket between these aluminum oil pans and the engine block (as you know). A sealing compound is used.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio