Oil Pan Question

[mstic2000]

What is the best way to break the oil pan loose? I got all the bolts out but don't wanna stick a screwdriver in there and start hammering and $%#$## something up...

A puddy knife.....why didn't I think of that?

[bikerphil]

You could try smacking the pan with a rubber mallet.

[benxs1100]

Definatley a rubber mallet. Works like a charm.

[fredintoon]

Definitely a rubber mallet. Works like a charm.

Hi Ben,
only works like a charm if you are absolutely definitely double-checked gotten someone else to check and counted the holes in the replacement gasket sure you have taken all the bolts out.
Otherwise it works like a wrecking ball.

[natemoen]

Aren't there some pry tabs somewhere on the pan like there is is the jugs?

[CatatonicBug]

I always use a chunk of 2X4 held against the side of the pan, and I whack it with a hammer. I go from several different angles, and the pan lets go.

[DGXSER]

Definitely make sure you got the one bolt hidden up by the side stand. It is a PITA to see and get to, but it is there.

[natemoen]

Definitely make sure you got the one bolt hidden up by the side stand. It is a PITA to see and get to, but it is there.

yeah that one is a real pain!

[mstic2000]

Hey the puddy knife is an XS11er's secret weapon for oil pan removal. I gave it a couple taps in the front to pry it loose and INDEED found that I had missed the hidden bolt. I removed the hidden bolt and it came right off. Then I used the puddy knife to scrape the gasket off. The reason that I wanted to take a look in there was because there was some thick sludge in the bottom of the oil filter cap when I was changing the oil filter. I figured it wouldn't hurt to take a look inside the oil pan and see what was going on in there. I didn't find any metal shavings or broken parts but the bottom of the pan had the thick stuff in it too. I got it all cleaned up and put a new gasket on with some RTV and it's good to go. Thanks!

[natemoen]

Glad you got it taken care of!