312 Oil Pan


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By SurfMerc - 13 Years Ago
I am finally taking the advice from an earlier post that talked about engines that have alot of miles on them and those of us that just want to keep them running. I would like to drop the oil pan and clean up the oil screen. My wagon sat for 12 years in a garage when I bought it. I have changed the oil three times since I have owned it but seems to get dirty quickly. I bought a gasket set and there are alot of smaller gaskets that I am not sure where they go. Is it difficult to remove the pan?? Anything I should be aware of? Also thinking of adding an oil additive like Lucas or STP as also mentioned in previous posts.

Thanks - AR

By Rono - 13 Years Ago
SurfMerc;

Your topic bridges several subjects, but here are some thoughts; The pan gasket itself is in 3 parts if I remember right. There are (2 I think) gaskets that go in the rear main seal area as well as the big horseshoe shaped gasket. You will have to loosen the compression nut on the oil pump where the oil tube goes in and that seal will have to be replaced. You will also have to loosen the big nut where the oil tube exits the pan. I'm pretty sure you will need to jack the motor up off the mounts for the pan to clear everything, but if you have a Mercury wagon, I'm not sure.Cool

If your compression is good and you're not burning oil, I don't know about using STP. Use a good oil that has ZDDP (Zinc additive) necessary for our flat tappet lifters. Alot of guys like Shell Rotella, I use Amsoil or you can buy a Zinc additive. I also use a "Filter Mag" on the outside of the oil filter. This is a strong curved magnet that pulls micro-metallic particles up against the inside wall of the filter and keeps them from circulating in your oil. They come in different sizes and I use them on my Harleys too.

Good Luck,

Rono

By PF Arcand - 13 Years Ago
Surf: You don't say what yr your wagon is? Makes a difference re pan removal. On 57 Ford cars for instance, the anti roll bar needs to be dropped...
By SurfMerc - 13 Years Ago
Thanks for the input. I have a 56 Monterey Wagon! Not sure if that makes a difference. It sounds like I should not under estimate the degree of difficulty to perform the task!! Thanks again
By aussiebill - 13 Years Ago
SurfMerc (3/17/2012)
Thanks for the input. I have a 56 Monterey Wagon! Not sure if that makes a difference. It sounds like I should not under estimate the degree of difficulty to perform the task!! Thanks again

Dont give up before you start, its easy! rotate crank to No 1 cyl on TDC, loosen large nut on pick up tube at side of sump, drop both sway bar mounts, then undo oil pump tube nut, sump bolts and sump will be able to be removed.Smile

By lowrider - 13 Years Ago
On a 56 Ford the pan will come out without removing the sway bar. I would think the Merc is the same.
By 314 - 13 Years Ago
i took the pan of my 56 merc sedan in 67.had to drop sway bar but didnt need to jack up motor.not all the bad of a job.the base gasget is in one piece.
By junkyardjeff - 13 Years Ago
Probably would not hurt to pull the valve covers and remove the intake so you can pull the valley pan and really clean the motor.
By ALL AMERICAN RACER - 13 Years Ago
surf merc



get yourself a manual on CD from Forel.



getting the oil pan off is a BIG job.



N-O on the additives.



if you mean oil gets dark or even black quickly



that's a worn out engine.



Have A Nice Day!
By aussiebill - 13 Years Ago
ALL AMERICAN RACER (3/18/2012)
surf merc

get yourself a manual on CD from Forel.

getting the oil pan off is a BIG job.

N-O on the additives.

if you mean oil gets dark or even black quickly

that's a worn out engine.

Have A Nice Day!

Modern oil goes black quiclkly and dont consider sump is big deal, just go step by step as previously suggested.Smile

By paul2748 - 13 Years Ago
isn't the pan gasket one piece??
By Moz - 13 Years Ago
removing the oil pan while in the car is fairly easy i can remove mine in 15 minutes