MGB MGB sump removal .. must I drop the xmember?

[Scott_Hower]

Subject line pretty much sums it up ... I have a leak at the front of the oil pan and want to investigate/replace the gasket. 73 MGB/18V engine.

I had a quick look and the front few bolts look partially obscured by the crossmember. Maybe a crowfoot wrench?

If I can avoid it, I'd rather not drop it. The Spitfire is hogging the jackstands

 

[DrEntropy]

Ya gotta put the engine up, Scott. The left motor mount will be the challenge. Undo it at the engine, wood 2x4 bits are your friend.... and some 1/4" drive swivel sockets.

:wink:

 

[Scott_Hower]

Thanks Doc.

But where to jack if I want the sump off?

 

[tony barnhill]

I've removed the oil pan from MGB engines without dropping the suspension beam...the front bolts are the trick & require that you loosen the motor mounts so you can lift the engine about an inch...& then you have to use a wrench on them!

I didn't jack, I lifted from above.

 

[aeronca65t]

Just did this on my '69.

Basically the same approach as Doc.

Loosen motor mounts.
Raise up engine with floor jack (use block of wood against oil pan).
Jamb pieces of wood under motor mount area so it will sit "high" when you release floor jack.

For actual bolt removal, use 1/4" drive six-point socket and/or short, offset box wrench combined with prolific swearing. :laugh:

Depending on your age and agility, you may wish to start taking Advil ahead of time.

 

[Scott_Hower]

Depending on your age and agility, you may wish to start taking Advil ahead of time.

Thanks!

 

[tony barnhill]

Never thought of the wood under the motor mount trick - it was just as easy for me to swing it on a hoist...but, if you don't have a hoist, that's a neat tip!

 

[Scott_Hower]

No hoist :frown:

They're cheap enough, problem is storing the thing when I'm done using it.
I used long bolts in the mounts, so I'm hoping I can just loosen them to the end of the nut threads and jack. I'll make up some 1 inch spacer pads out of oak scraps.

 

[kennypinkerton]

When I installed new motor mounts in my car, I jacked up the car with the factory jack, stacked boards under the motor, and slowly let the car back down. Raised the motor up a couple inches so I could remove the old broken mounts. Installed the new ones, and jacked the car back up to meet the holes on the motor. Worked flawlessly.

 

[jlaird]

were there is a will there is a way. I also have lots of short 2X4s, wedges and 1X4s in stock and well used.

 

[DrEntropy]

Some folks who visit and see my "woodpile" think its scrap, then suggest I bin the lot!!! Those people do not receive a second invitation... :smirk:

 

[Scott_Hower]

Some folks who visit and see my "woodpile" think its scrap, then suggest I bin the lot!!! Those people do not receive a second invitation... :smirk:

Heh; wifey often asks "why are we keeping all of this stuff". I squirrel my lumber scraps in the basement ceiling rafters. I have cedar ballusters for a deck I build 15 years ago and subsequently ripped off. Never know when you'll need something.

 

[MGZT260]

Scribble a "part number" and draw a hexagon on those scraps once you've used them once successfully. Or tell people they are all that remains of a "T" frame, and you are starting a real grounds up resto.

 

[vping]

Octagon.