M42 oil pan gasket change

[1988montecarloss]

i just bought a 91 318is and it leaks oil pretty bad out of the pan, im not sure if its the upper or lower gasket but hopefully it is the lower one so i dont have to pull the motor, if it is just the lower gasket should i be able to pull the lower pan off without lifting the motor up any? and once i have the lower pan off will i be able to tighten up the upper pan bolts in case any are loose?

[Massimo]

Yes and yes.

Also if it is the upper pan they can be removed with out lifting the engine on the M42, I have not done this but I have been told it is possible.

[1988montecarloss]

Yes and yes.

Also if it is the upper pan they can be removed with out lifting the engine on the M42, I have not done this but I have been told it is possible.

alright, thanks, when i have it apart ill see what i can do haha

[bmwman91]

From personal experience, you can't get the upper pan off without dong one of the following:

1) Jacking the engine up
2) Disconnecting the power steering lines from the rack

Option 1 ends up being cleaner and easier IMO.

Seal the gaskets with some Permatex Ultra Gray silicone sealant. Don't go crazy with it, just LIGHTLY coat both mating surfaces.

Also, the rear main crank seal may be leaking. It is pretty common, and a pain in the ass to get at since you have to pull the tranny. Also, when pulling the upper pan don't forget abut the 2 bolts that have to be accessed inside the tranny bellhousing. You'll see the two cut-outs for them in the bottom of the bellhousng. Don't drop the bolts in there, either!

[bmwm42]

ive never had to remove the power steering lines just unbolt it from the mounts(bottom screw) and lift up engine, this job is cake

[bmwman91]

Yup, unbolting the engine mount from the crossmember and lifting the engine is the easiest way to go.

[carnurd]

In place of permatex I would recommend HondaBond HT, stuff is very thick and much less messy.. Touch more $$ but when it comes time to remove it its pretty nice that it comes off as 1 strand usually.

[1988montecarloss]

In place of permatex I would recommend HondaBond HT, stuff is very thick and much less messy.. Touch more $$ but when it comes time to remove it its pretty nice that it comes off as 1 strand usually.

thanks for the help guys, can this stuff be bought at any honda dealer?

[carnurd]

thanks for the help guys, can this stuff be bought at any honda dealer?

Yep usually.. Might find it cheaper online. The regular HondaBond is kinda thin so that's why HT is really nice and thick and does a great job sealing..