I'm new to the forum and need some advice about my 74 power wagon. I've owned this truck for 25 years and appreciate it as a great work truck here in Fairbanks, Alaska. I've used it mainly for hauling firewood and for plowing during the long winters. Recently, I put a new clutch in the truck, but in remounting the t-case I had to jack the transmission a bit to align it. In doing so the board I had across the oil pan to support the engine slipped unnoticed by me, resulting in a 2" deep dent in the back center of the pan. My question: is there a strong likelihood that I did damage to the oil pump, or can I confidently fire it up and go about my business? I ask because the temperatures are dropping and I don't want to drop the pan if I don't have to.

I'll appreciate any information forum members can provide. Thank you.

 

Welcome to the forum. Moving to the correct section so you can get some help.

 

i think most truck pans have the sump at the rear. most likely the suction pipe is at the rear bottom of the pan. if the dent went far enough it most likely snapped the pipe off at the oil pump. try this check the oil level. then start the engine if you have no pressure dont let run more than 20 sec. then you have a repair to do. my idea given where you are is to gather parts ahead of time.

 

Moe, Thank you for that advice. It is what I thought might be the case, but I never had the pan off so I wasn't sure.

 

seeing where you live i think you must plan ahead carefully. i would get a new oil pump, good oil pan, suction pipe, spair gaskets, a sheet of casket material in case something goes wrong, spair bolts. sealants, cleaners, a factory service, manual, manual close to the same year might be ok. i think on most mopar V8s the oil pickup strainer should just touch the oil pan bottom. so when mounting the pipe put it in dry. turn the pipe into the pump, if its a small block, till the suction strainer is level with the oil pan mounting serface and tight in the pump. and check that the pan drain plug that it is not striped out. hope this helps.