Oil Pan Dent Fix Saturday

**Roybatty** · 02-03-2011, 02:12 PM

Doing this>>>
Stealth 316 - Oil Pan>>>On Saturday.

I was reading up that you should plastigauge the rod bearings while the oil pan off. Is this something that I can get at a local parts store? Sorry for the noob question, but not boned up on measuring the tolerances or whatnot of the bearings.

**Valhallaz** · 02-03-2011, 03:49 PM

Yes, any auto parts store should sell it.

**What_Turbo_Lag?** · 02-03-2011, 08:21 PM

make sure you get the green plastigage

**speedy25** · 02-05-2011, 11:39 AM

You may have to try a few stores. A long time ago plastigauge was VERY common to find and use but with so few people using it in modern times most stores dont carry it anymore.

-SP

**Roybatty** · 02-14-2011, 09:12 PM

Okay, got the oil pan off. Need to bang the dents out. A couple of questions: Gooseneck with the strainer, doesn't move when pressed...seems solid. Anything else to check for on these? Haven't had any problems with bearings that I am aware of, but I went ahead and got the green plastigage. Will take off the bearing cap, and the thrust bearing and lowering crankshaft bearing should come out with the cap? And what if it is out of spec? I assume, upper and lower bearings will need to be replaced...and at that point you would want to consider getting some lower end components replaced??? Or can you replace all the bearings with the oil pan off?

**speedy25** · 02-15-2011, 09:26 AM

Something that may have not been mentioned but plastigage is used on DRY parts. Do you have any noises that warrant all that work to check crank/rod clearances? While you have the pan off you might want to use some clay and see how much clearance there was before you undo the dent.

Yes you can replace bearings with the pan off.

-SP

**CoreyB** · 02-15-2011, 01:34 PM

No need to plasigauge really. You can visually see if the bearings are worn once disassembled. If you see any copper at all you should replace all the bearings and thats when you would plastigauge. This is of course just my opinion.

**Roybatty** · 02-15-2011, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by CoreyB

No need to plasigauge really. You can visually see if the bearings are worn once disassembled. If you see any copper at all you should replace all the bearings and thats when you would plastigauge. This is of course just my opinion.

I am inclined to leave well enough alone, but on the other hand, want to do what is marginal while its opened up. I do get the occasional tap until its warmed up more and oil gets to the upper engine. Otherwise I am simply getting the dents out and chasing leaks around.