Bringing rebuilt 2.6 home from machine shop. Question

[Getsducks]

So here it is...

I wonder if it's best to leave the two part oil pan off or have them do it.

Short block build.

No engine stand and no experience with this other than what I can glean off the site.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Ducks

[giusedtobe]

Post some pics Sean. Might be easier to pick up a cheap stand from Harbor Freight for putting all the accessories back on. Certainly not necessary. I've seen them sitting on the ground resting on the pan BTW but I don't know whether that is wise or not. Do you have a hoist or can you borrow one? You could always just hang it.

Good Luck
Alan

Forgot to mention my small oil pan gasket was not correct so I had to cut it and use lots of RTV. Also, unless you remove the cross member the top hat pan will not clear when putting the motor back in. I put mine in with this off.

[Getsducks]

Alan when you say... "Also, unless you remove the cross member the top hat pan will not clear when putting the motor back in. I put mine in with this off"

Is the top hat pan the lower most of the two pans?

I was able to get the block out intact with the help of a load leveller, are you saying it's not just as simple in the reverse? Right now I have a chance to halt progress down at the shop with the pan(s) if it will make life easier.

Yes, I do have a hoist. I was planning on sitting the block on a tire for putting accessories back on then lifting it up with hoist to do pans.

Thanks eh

[Getsducks]

Just talked to the shop and put the brakes on for now.

Thanks for quick reply

[DSUZU]

I would have the shop put the pan on and just put the bottom pan on with a couple of screws / bolts to hold it in place. This keeps the innards covered. The less dirt you expose it to, the better. Dennis

[Ed Mc.]

The aluminum upper oil pan should be installed when you reinstall the engine. Otherwise it's gonna be really difficult, if not impossible, to install it with the engine in place.

The steel small "top hat" pan on the bottom is the one I had trouble with when I pulled the 2.3 out of my 1st Trooper, an '86 4-door. I had to pull the small pan to clear the cross-member. Just put a ziplock bag or other suitable protection over the oil pickup screen and this should keep it relatively safe while you're installing. I can't recall the configuration of the '86's cross-member/diff brackets, but you may gain some space by undoing or dropping said parts, if possible.

BTW I don't know if you've seen other threads comment on this, but if you install the block 1st without the head installed, it's a ton easier to get in place and to get the upper bell housing bolts installed. Cover the top of the block with foil, plastic wrap, cardboard, etc to keep debris out of the pistons and the oil/coolant passages.

You can lift the block by the head bolt holes, just pick up some appropriate-sized bolts at the hardware store (I just looked it up, they're 12mm x 1.50mm thread pitch). Place one lifting bolt in a rear corner of the block, the other one kitty-corner at the front.

BTW an engine stand is a worthy investment, you don't wanna be working on the short block with it sitting in a tire, on the floor, etc.

More than likely, for the price your machine shop would charge you to install the aluminum oil pan, you could pick up a decent engine stand.

Once mounted on a stand, you can roll that block over and it's a cinch to install the upper oil pan.

Just a thought, have fun!..........ed

[Getsducks]

Thanks guys.

I really appreciate the info.

Might as well be sending a man to the moon

[DSUZU]

Might as well be sending a man to the moon

Been done. Brought 'em back too. We've brought a few through engine rebuilds too. Dennis
FWIW: I suggested having the shop install the pan for protection and to eliminate the possibility of a future leak. Getting the seals, corners just right. The bottom pan is what we used to call "popcorn" (easy)

[Getsducks]

Hey Dennis when does the oil pick up tube get installed, after the pan? Worried about it hanging out during transport.

[Ed Mc.]

Hey Dennis when does the oil pick up tube get installed, after the pan? Worried about it hanging out during transport.

Just have the shop install the small bottom pan without a gasket and secure with enough bolts to keep it from falling off.

[Getsducks]

Thanks Ed,
I'm getting the picture now.
Have a good weekend