oil leak
 

38 sedan restored before I got it. Everything looks really well done, but oil pan leaking a bunch from drivers side front area of rail.

Question: How much of a job is it to pull the pan and replace the gasket? If it is easy, I will tackle it. If it is hard, probably not.
I am not sure I can spend that much time underneath the car up on jack stands due to age and mobility issues.
Thanks

Re: oil leak
 

At 79, I have the same problem. I just installed 4-post lift; it was the best thing I ever did. I have just fixed the horn on my '51 and changed the starter. It went slick.

Re: oil leak
 

Yup. Been dreaming of a lift. Don't know if I can get it in there.

Re: oil leak
 

I have not personally done this job, but the Repair manual says that it is possible. Removing the oil pan in the car on a 1938 85 hp requires raising the front of the engine about 2.5" and dropping the wishbone from it's cradle and blocking it down with a piece of wood about 12" long. You also need to set the crankshaft to a specific location, the front counterweight down, to gain the most clearance and aid in removing the pan.

If you decide to remove the oil pan, you should also plan on replacing the four core plugs in the pan rail, which are probably approaching the end of their useful life if they have been in there awhile. This would require draining the coolant.

This procedure is documented in the reprinted V-14 Ford 1937 and 1938 Engine and Chassis Repair Manual available from many of our fantastic vendors.

Good luck with your decision.

Re: oil leak
 

front counterweights need to be up, one and five should be on tdc

Re: oil leak
 

I have done two "shoeboxes" (nothing pre-war), but if I hadn't done this, I'd still be under the car.

I think I have to also agree with replacing the core plugs. The dreaded "project creep" is about to bite you.

Re: oil leak
 

I watch my buddy (89) pick away at his ford project and I’m amazed . It’s not that he's blessed with good health and sound body but his attitude to press forward and not be beaten.
He picks away at projects couple hours each day . Someday he rest .

Re: oil leak
 

Glad to hear you finished that lift project Denny!
Oh, by the way, can I use it? :)

Re: oil leak
 

Any time; just give me a day or two's notice. It better be in the next month or so, as I'm leaving for the Keys in early October.

Re: oil leak
 

thanks for the tips Zeke. Will order the manual as it sounds like it is pretty detailed.
Gonna have to think on this a bit and decide if I want or can tackle it. :)

Re: oil leak
 

if it,s not a big leak. tigen the bolts. buy extra oil . let the next owner fix it.at

Re: oil leak
 

Thanks, you are very kind. Don’t have my ‘51 F1 here in MN this year so won’t have any lift need until it arrives (maybe next summer). I did pick up a 1992 F1 though (in great condition) to drive and tinker with this year and it’s high enough (and I’m still limber enough) to crawl under it.