Connecting Rods Hitting Oil Pan Baffle?

[31ASlant]

I recently installed a good used oil pan because my bolt had been stripped by previous owner. I took the baffle out to clean the sticky goo at the bottom.
I fit the baffle in and pressed down. I installed the pan and started the car. Runs great. I didn’t drive it yet. Today I took it out and after hitting a bump I heard this horrible sound coming from the engine like a loud banging and tapping. By the time I turned around and made it home. About 1/8 mile.
The noise was gone. The engine runs perfectly again. I’ve since started it and no noise. Could I have have damaged the bottom end by it banging the baffles?
I’m sure this has had to of happened to someone? I’m kind of freaking out.

[Gene F]

I don't blame ya. The first thing I'd do is pull the oil filler tube, and take a super bright flashlight and shine it down that hole to verify the tray position.

[WHN]

To be safe! I would drop the oil pan. Better safe than sorry.

You never know for sure unless you can see it first hand.

[31ASlant]

I know. It’s quite the job on your back.
I figured if it’s good now it seated itself.
But I’ll probably drop the pan. I wanted to see if anyone had this occur.

[katy]

What does the oil on the dipstick look like? If the rods were hitting the baffle there's a good chance that there's tiny metal particles in the oil and it should be replaced. Probably a good idea to drop the pan for an inspection.

Originally Posted by 31ASlant

my bolt had been stripped by previous owner

What bolt?

[JayJay]

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Originally Posted by katy

What bolt?

I was wondering the same thing. Maybe the drain plug?

[RHD]

I think the pan came loose when you first drove the car. The noise would have disappeared when the big end scoop wore through the pan.
Some pans need a good knock to get into place in the sump. Look for metal fragments in the oil. Best to drain the oil, remove the sump for a complete clean out and reinstall, making sure the pan fits snugly.

[Dodge]

When you took the baffle out did you pry it out on either end or did you do the drop the pan on the ground and pop it out?

When they get pry out on the ends it bends the tray and the rods hit, usually in the rear
of the tray.

If so pull it and bend the tray back into shape. If's that the case.

[MilwaukeeMike]

Borrow or rent an inspection camera. Pull the fill tube and look around in there. Have someone turn it over with the hand crank and check clearances. This is the easy way to get started. Any hard work is after this.

[Wick]

When you reinstall the tray, make sure the flange is nice and straight. Most trays don't just pop back in place, you have to use some force. After installing the tray,pick the oil pan up about 1 foot off the floor
Turn it over and drop it. The tray should not come out if installed correctly.
I have a video on YouTube on how I make it easy to install a oil pan. Hookenfair Garage
Wick

[Bruce of MN]

I assume it shows using a couple of all-thread studs to align the pan and assist in the operation.