<E30>Oil pan gasket questions

[Erick Baumeister <erickbau@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Great write-up Larry.

I did this on my '88 535iA about 3 years and 55,000 miles ago.  I still
have a scar on my right thumb from unbolting that damn oil pump. 

You really do want to use GasketCinch to hold the gasket in place. This
is not a job you want to do twice if the gasket doesn't sit right. 

Not sure how fixing the oil pan gasket would cause problems in the upper
engine.....my engine doesn't leak or burn a drop of oil at 147,000 miles....

Erick Baumeister

Larry F wrote:
> Several comments on your oil pan question:
> 
> 1)  First, please note the series number in the Subject line.
>     This helps those of us who skim a lot of these looking
>     for the topics of interest.  Just a thought.
> 2)  This is a common failure, so count on it getting worse.
> 3)  The previous post was correct in it's conclusion:  replacing
>     this gasket will not trigger additional failures.
> 4)  You will gain working room by removing two through-bolts
>     securing the steering rack and letting it dangle.
> 5)  You may have to remove the power steering pump mounts
>     and swing out of the way.
> 6)  It is not _necessary_ to loosen the engine mounts and
>     suspend it from above, but if you can, do.
> 7)  You will have to remove the oil pump to disengage the
>     oil pan; two 13mm cap screws in front and one 10mm on
>     the back.  Obnoxious, but doable.
> 8)  If you are planning to own the car for a long time, put
>     in a new oil pump - $150ish, and they _do_ wear out.
> 9)  Technically, you do not need to use a sealant on the
>     gasket, but you will find it much easier to reinstall
>     if you 'glue' it to the pan surface with a non-hardening
>     sealant to keep it from dropping inside when you wrestle
>     first the oil pump, then the pan back into position.
> 10) Can't tell from your address if you live in the Salt Belt,
>     but if you do, or your ride did, you will want to clear
>     all the pan bolt holes with a 6mm tap, and clean and lube
>     the pan bolts as well.  The part that sticks up above the
>     block will be rusty.
> 
> Any specific questions, drop me a note.
> 
> Later, Larry F.

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