Position of pistons to take out oil pan on 1950 8BA

[fordbruce]

I have my heads off , and my oil pan is unbolted ready to come out . What position should the
pistons be in so the oil pan will come out without interference from the crankshaft counterweights ??????? Thanks

[51 MERC-CT]

If it's still in the car there is more likely to be interference with tyrods and cross members rather than crankshaft counterweights.

[GordonC]

Assuming this is a flathead V8?? From what I have seen there shouldn't be any interference from the crank in any position as the throw of the crank is inside the block/pan rails and the pan sits on the top edge of the rails. I have pulled off more than a couple of oil pans and all just came straight up off the block. Did have to pry a couple around the edges to get them loosened up.

[corvette8n]

When I pulled the pan on my '50 I took the nut off the motor mounts and jacked up the motor enough to get the pan out, seems like the crossmember and steering linkage were in the way, trying to remember back 50 years.

[rotorwrench]

The oil pump & pickup would likely be the largest concern when pulling the pan.

[RalphG]

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Recently pulled the oil pan from my 53 Merc flathead with no problems or interference at all. I had no option of rotating the crankshaft as the engine is seized tighter than , well tight., I did have the advantage of the engine laying upside down on the floor of my workshop but there was not a hint of interference from the crankshaft or oil pump.

[tubman]

I did this back in the day myself (on a '51), and distinctly remember the pan wouldn't clear the front crank throws and counter weights (even with the engine jacked up), unless the crankshaft was in the right position. The way I did it is to use a flash light to look between the block and the pan (after it was dropped down), and turn the crankshaft until it was in the best position. The pan could then be slipped out, I don't remember the oil pump being a problem at all.

All this being said, it would be nice to have a defined method like "turn the crank until number one piston is 1 inch down the bore on the down-stroke". (Note : this is just an example, NOT an actual procedure. When you get the pan off, perhaps YOU can be the guy that contributes this information to the rest of the world.)

[rotorwrench]

A lot depends on what type vehicle it's in. Ford, Mercury, F1 pickup etc. They all have different cross members & suspensions.

[tubman]

I think a '51 Ford is close enough to a '50 8BA (unless the engine is in something else) to provide useful information.

[tubman]

O/P - You have unbolted the idler arm and dropped the tie rod down, haven't you?

[flathead4rd]

All the things tubman said.

[supereal]

Be careful around the oil pump pickup assembly, It is held together with push fit sections. As a precaution, it is a good idea to braze the joints to hold them in position and to secure the mounting plate.

[fordbruce]

Got the oil pan out with my friend moving the crank while I got the pan to slide out . The positions of the pistons are #2 and #8 are to the top of the cylinders and it came out with no problems.....Everything you said Tubman .......Thanks to all !!!!!

[tubman]

I'm gonna write that down for further reference. Good Job! Glad everything worked out for ya'.

[fordbruce]

By The Way ......To set the record straight.........This motor is in a 1950 Ford Custom...........I would like to thank all who replied !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!