Trying to re-install my oil pan with a new gasket and cannot get it to go.

No matter what the gasket bumps something and slides back when trying to install it while on the pan.

Is there a way to put the gasket on the motor side and then bring the pan up to it or does it have to be on the pan and then brought up to the engine?

Ive tried a bunch of times and the gasket just keeps getting knocked off. I think i may have to move to transmission steel lines to get a better shot at it.

I didn't raise the engine as there was plenty of room to get the pan off on a 2500 4x4.

Any tips?

I swear im almost done with this truck and will stop asking so many questions.

 

Use fishing line through some of the holes to keep it in place. Install some of the bolts in the other holes to hold the pan up. Cut the fishing line and install those bolts as well.

 

Excellent idea I will try that next.

 

I used small zip ties about every other hole. I also upgrade from the super soft & floppy seal to the more rigid seal that has one long piece of metal on either side rather that ringlets.

Don't forget a dab of black RTV at each inner corner for the seal where it mates to the "U" of the rear of the pan.

 

Try fishing line works great but now my pan is hitting something so it cannot get tight to the engine. I dont know if the oil pump is hitting the bottom of the pan or what.

 

Alternate the bolts. Start at one corner, then the opposite corner, and continue by criss-crossing and only tightening the bolts about halfway. Once a majority are in, then tighten them all the way.

 

It really feels like its bottoming out. I can get some bots in but when I press up on the pan by hand it cant get it tight to the block.

 

Push the oil pump pickup just a tad and try again. Also, verify the pan is getting a straight shot and not getting hung up anywhere under the engine or the frame. It's a PITA but doable on a 2WD.

 

Got it on, thanks again for all the help.

 

I'm going for this method.

First timer here on this. Are you saying the RTV dab b/t the gasket and pan, or gasket and block.

Thanks for the clarification.