Stuck Oil Pan

[Jose Mendez]

After a long summer of traveling, It came time to change the fluids on my 2003 California EV 1100.  All was going well until the removal of the oil pan.  I've tried the rubber hammer,  the heat gun, the pry bar on the drain screw, the utility knife on all four corners of the pan, and down right anger. It's not moving.

I thought about using a propane torch to heat the seem, but I am too cautious.  This is my second oil change for the present oil filter.  I've been using Permatex around the gasket screws holes for sometime and with a firm tap with the rubber hammer loosened the pan.

 A other ideas? 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

After a long summer of traveling, It came time to change the fluids on my 2003 California EV 1100.  All was going well until the removal of the oil pan.  I've tried the rubber hammer,  the heat gun, the pry bar on the drain screw, the utility knife on all four corners of the pan, and down right anger. It's not moving.

I thought about using a propane torch to heat the seem, but I am too cautious.  This is my second oil change for the present oil filter.  I've been using Permatex around the gasket screws holes for sometime and with a firm tap with the rubber hammer loosened the pan.

 A other ideas?

How many bolts have you removed - only the 14 around the perimeter of the pan, or 18 including the 4 on the bottom of the pan? If all 18 are removed and the pan still won't budge, use a prybar between the (fully threaded in and tightened) oil drain plug and a lower frame rail.

[pehayes]

Four interior bolts.  BTDT.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

PS:  If you have removed all 18 then someone before you used a serious gasket glue to seal the pan.  Bad juju.

[Jose Mendez]

Good question. I do have 18 laying on the floor.

After my dinner date, I used the pry bar and the rubber hammer at the same time and went to town on the oil pan. The pan went flying to the other side my Guzzi. No damage to the pan.

I am not going to use the Permatex this time. Instead, I like the idea of using grease on the gasket. I am sure the pan will be easier to remove next time.

Thank you for ringing in on my oil pan problem.   

[MikeP996]

If you are inclined to use sealer, try Permatex Moto Seal.  It is a non-silicone, solvent based sealer that does not become glue.  I've use it on everything from marine diesels down to lawn mowers! 

[Jose Mendez]

Thanks Mike. I will look in to that.

[Vagrant]

I just sprayed my gaskets with Pam for years. Never a leak and totally reusable.

[Mr Revhead]

A smear of engine oil on both sides of the gasket works 100% no need for the mess of grease or anything else