How to remove the aluminum oil pan?

[Pastarnac]

This is for a 1968 280SL.

The engine runs very well but there is a leak on both oil pans (the large aluminum and the steel pan). I looked and I did not see a method to remove the entire aluminum pan without removing/lifting -at least partially - the engine.

Q1: Is there a simple method to remove the large aluminum oil pan?
Q2: If I remove this oil pan, can I change the front main seal?
Q3: What other things I may expect to change while I am removing this oil pan?

Thanks

[ja17]

The front main seal can be replaced without removing the oil pan. The hood and the radiator need to be removed along with the pulleys, belts  and vibration dampner. The lower, steel oil pan can be removed fairly easily from below by unfastening the pan bolts. These steel sub pans are readily available new from on line suppliers so if yours is bent or damaged you may just want to replace it. Use a new gasket with the steel sub-pan.  They are fairly inexpensive. Often times the crankshaft spacer ring is replaced with the front seal and it is sometimes a difficult to remove. A puller is needed to remove the front engine vibration dampner. The large aluminum oil pan is not easily removable since the engine would have to be out or the front suspension sub frame assembly would have to be removed. Try searching up some information the procedures should be well documented already. Otherwise get back with us for more information and we will help you along. Consider changing the water pump and V-belts while you have everything apart.

[Pastarnac]

Thanks for the info!

This is my winter project.

[Harry]

Joe - who are some of the Vendors to go to for the steel oil pan?  I see Parts Geek offers one.  Others?

[ja17]

Harry you can also try some others like FCP Euro, Pelican Parts, Rock Auto and Arizona Autohaus. I am sure there are others also.  These replacement pans and the ones from Mercedes are slightly deeper (7mm) and will increase the capacity of your engine about one pint. In addition the latter smaller drain plug is used with these and is included. If you have a later BBB, sec 18 pages 6/1 & 6/2 has some discussion and diagrams of the new pan with part numbers.

[Harry]

Thanks Joe!

[Harry]

Will a 250SL oil pan fit on the 230SL?