hi all,

I have a 2000 4.7L Dodge Dakota 4x4. I tried to remove the crankshaft sensor to replace it. after much work, it fell into the crankshaft or the oil pan I presume. any suggestions from someone experienced with this problem? i'm afraid the next step is to lift the engine and remove the oil pan. What are your thoughts?

In case I am not up to the task, do you know any reputable/reasonable Dodge mechanics in the South Denver area?

thanks, john

 

What do you mean "fell in?" Did it break?

Yes, you have to raise the engine to get the pan off.

 

Unless it broke its pretty much impossible to fall in.

Like Dan said... can you be a little more clear?

 

yes, it did break. it was fused into the hole and wouldn't come out easily. tried everything to get it out, then it broke and fell into that hole. I assume that it either went into the engine OR down into the oil pan. so, I believe with a 2000 4.7L Dodge Dakota 4x4 that I need to raise engine AND remove axle to get oil pan out. Assuming I am after the oil pan. Thanks, John

 

Yes, you have to remove the axle too. This is from the factory manual.

REMOVAL

NOTE: 4X4 vehicles equipped with a 4.7L engine must have the front axle removed before the oil pan can be removed.
(1) Remove the front axle from vehicle. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE.
(2) Remove the structural dust cover.
(3) Drain the engine oil and remove oil filter.
NOTE: Do not pry on oil pan or oil pan gasket. Gasket is mounted to engine and does not come out with oil pan.
(4) Remove the oil pan mounting bolts and oil pan.
(5) Unbolt oil pump pickup tube and remove tube and oil pan gasket from engine.

If you don't have a copy of the FSM, you can get one from here:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-download.html