Oil pan is destroyed - anyone have an engine support?

[turge]

Undo the 17mm nuts and jack from a/c compressor. Some people here won't like that, but it works. You don't need to lift it that much.

That is if you have A/C. I had to use the crane method. lol

[einstein57]

I don't know about supporting the engine by the waterpump. Why not strap them to the motor mounts? I've seen people use a couple or 2x4s across the shock towers and then using a couple of U bolts and a pipe to suspend the straps from. cheaper then buying the proper tools.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb...bar-96524.html

[graphikg]

That is if you have A/C. I had to use the crane method. lol

Where did you hook up the crane? I know where to chain it up in the front near the Vanos, but where do you hook it up to at the rear of the engine? The rear of the s50 is soooooo close to the e30 firewall.

[iwantspeed]

Where did you hook up the crane? I know where to chain it up in the front near the Vanos, but where do you hook it up to at the rear of the engine? The rear of the s50 is soooooo close to the e30 firewall.

you can put a jacks stand on the transmission bell housing to support some of the weight then use this tool
and use that on the front hook for the motor near the oil filter housing
this method requires lowering the subframe to remove the oil pan.
if you used a cherry picker your might be able to lift the engine high enough to remove the oil pan and clear the oil pump

http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb...bar-96524.html

robert from e30motorwerks makes a skid plate for swapped e30's
here is the link for a skid plate

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95327

[semaj4712]

Highly recommend that skid plate, I have hit some things HARD and its still running strong

[graphikg]

I finally spent the entire Sunday afternoon at PnP and pulled a 5 series M50 pan. It sucked and took forever, but I got it. How can I test it before putting it in the car to see if it is alright? It doesnt seem to be leaking or it doesnt seem to be damged. Is there any good way to test if it is good before installing so I am not wasting time?

[ethrtyiS]

if you can't physically see any damage anywhere on the pan, then you are fine. clean it real well inside and inspect that too.

[animal]

in the exact same boat - sux ass.. e30 s52 obd1 oil pan smashed again in soma - fkn sf. anyone have an extra e34 m50 pan? PM ME!

I'm in to help too op if you need it - I'm in Oakland/SF.

[graphikg]

Thanks Animal - let me know if you want to come to SJ on Sat. Thats when I am doing it. If I could give you advice, get a pan from the junk yard. Its cheaper. If you need help on yours, I can come through, but surely get a plate.

to iwantspeed, whats the best way to lower the subframe a bit? Just loosen the bolts?

[animal]

@graphikg - cool - I think I'm in SF all day Sat w a friend visiting - where in SJ?

I have a plate - an old one that has seen many many smashes and have been pressed back time and time again - will probably just order a new one - or if I can find one locally/used.

[einstein57]

in the exact same boat - sux ass.. e30 s52 obd1 oil pan smashed again in soma - fkn sf. anyone have an extra e34 m50 pan? PM ME!

I'm in to help too op if you need it - I'm in Oakland/SF.

Mckman has one

[graphikg]

@graphikg - cool - I think I'm in SF all day Sat w a friend visiting - where in SJ?



I have a plate - an old one that has seen many many smashes and have been pressed back time and time again - will probably just order a new one - or if I can find one locally/used.

Finding a plate locally is going to be impossible. It is hard even finding one on the forums used. If you get a new one, go with red46s (I think is his handle) or ejnights. They seem good enough.



As far as the work on my car, I was messing around with the crane and lifted the engine enough to practically get easiER access to all the bolts. I just have a few more left to undo but will have to undo the power steering pump to get to one of the bolts in the front - SUCKS. But once the pan is unbolted, let us see if I have enough clearance with just the crane to get the pan out. That thing needs a lot of space to come out.