Removing upper oil pan

[ILikeMy240sx]

First of all, trying to remove that upper oil pan while the engine is still in the car is the biggest biotch...

I unbolted the engine mounted and jacked up the engine from the bell housing about 1.5~2 inches. The upper oil pan is refusing to come out. Whenever I try to pull it from the front, it catches on the tubes by the steering rack.

So is there an easy way to get this biotch off without 1) removing the engine from the car 2) dropping the subframe.

Thanks!

[180fan]

you need to raise the engine or drop the cross member. No ways around it.

[NoStickers]

Owch. I just pulled my engine...its way easier if you are able to do it.

[jt15833]

if u have access to a hosit id hold the engine in place while removing the subframe. subframe is 4 bolts to frame, 4 bolts to steering rack, 1 bolt for each control arm, 2 little bolts for power steering lines. so 12 bolts and its off, and engine is up. that is easier than removing transmission mount, exhaust, wiring harness, intake, draining all fluids other than ps, and removing ps pump from engine, much easier. drawback is if your picky you should get an alignment after putting subframe back on, not completely necessary but suggested

[ILikeMy240sx]

Well, the engine was raised as I have mentioned. I ended up cleaning up the old gasket and applying gasket all under the car with the oil pan hanging down.... I never ever have to do that again in my entire life.

I wish I could meet the engineers that designed that oil pan.. Those biotches...

[Hijacker]

try doing that job in a Ford F-150 where the crossmember is welded to the frame. even with the motor raised 4-5 inches, you can't slide that pan out.

Most oil pans, in my experience with RWD motors, require the motor to be out of the car because of how large and bulky they are. Just be happy that Nissan designed it as a 2 part pan for easy access to the pick up, not everyone gets that lucky.

[ILikeMy240sx]

Yes, I guess you are right... I do like the two piece design so I can remove the lower oil pan easily to check for unusual metal shavings...

I wish that i didnt have to take the upper oil pan off to take the front cover off.

[xero1]

why are you taking the upper oil pan off?

[travisn]

its easier to buy one of those magnetic drain plugs, a lot cheaper and easier to check (no sealant to buy, and you can check it each time you change your oil...