IceWind

I'm considering buying a 1992 4WD F-150 with a 4.9 I6. She's leaking badly at the front U-shaped section of the oil pan, just below the front cover. Can I replace the pan without unbolting the motor mounts and jacking the motor?? Looks like there is about three inches of clearance between the pan and axle, but will it make it past the oil pump?? Thanks to all in advance.

Fast Hampster

I'm afrait it will not. It takes a bit more space to do it than it it looks it will take. But you may try to lower the pan and replace the gasket without completely removing the pan. It will not be very easy though, byt they say it is possible. On my 2WD 4.9 it seems possible to be done that way (haven't tryed it yet).

str8dogg

I agree, try to replace it without completely removing the pan.

IceWind

Thanks for the replys. Ended up buying the truck today. The more I examine it, it looks like it leaking out of the front cover, so it looks like I'll be putting a front seal in...and a new chain - since I'll be there. Fun!

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

The 4.9 doesn't use a timing chain, it uses timing gears which rarely wear out enough to need replacing.

IceWind

Thanks, Sean. Didn't know that. Much to learn I still have. This is my first real exposure to the Ford I6. My '83 Toyoto Landcruiser has a 4.2 and is chaindriven, so I automatically assumed she had a chain. Doh!...So, the seal behind the lower gear on the crank, do they go bad? Because it seems the oil is coming from that general area, or the front of the pan. But how would it leak when not running from the front of the pan, the oil should all be in the sump....unless...while the oil drains down the front gallys and collects in the front portion of the pan it leaks past the bad pan gasket seal???

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

The seals get brittle with age or when the vehicle is overheated, also grooves get cut into the harmonic balancer from a hardened seal. If the balancer has a groove you can get a sleeve for it for like $2 instead of buying a new balancer. Oil will still drip when the engine isn't running, it gets slung all over the place and drips off when you stop.

junker94

I have an old '94 and needed to replace the gasket as well. Drain it drop it as much as possible and just thread the new gasket in it shouldn't give you too much of a problem.

crockpot

would their be enough clearence to pull it out if you undid the two engine mount bolts and cherry picked it up a couple inchs.....not sure if it woudl be worth it or not??..