Sump gasket!

[devoniain]

I'm finally getting round to sorting some of the damn oil leaks on my car. For the last 3 years I've been using the excuse that all the oil keeps the chassis rust free but my rocker cover gaskets started dripping on the exhast manifold and seaping through the plug threads so I've sorted them (hopefully). My sump gasket also leaks like a sieve so I took the plunge (all 4 quid of it) and coughed up for a sump gasket at the same time.
Question is, can I drop the sump enough to change the gasket with everything else in situ? I'm not the bravest home mechanic in the world and will probably chicken out if it means stripping various bits from here and there.

[Chassis 33]

I've dropped the sump enough on my V6 to replace the gasket with the engine inplace, but it was a right bugger of a job and there is only just enough room to do it, the ARB (on early Tasmins) gets in the way, as does the main rectangular cross bar.

Regards
Iain

[wedg1e]

IIRC I took the sump off the 390 with the engine in the car, that was how I discovered I had crank main bearing wear.

[350matt]

Its a bit fiddly but entirely possible, as wedgie says not a bad idea to whip a mainscap off to check the shells. These can be changed in situ if required. The big-ends are usually OK. Use plenty of silicone sealant as its a mucky job you don't want to do it twice.

Matt

[shpub]

The other trick is to support the engine/gearbox and remove the engine mounts and gearbox mounts and jack the engine up a bit. Gives a bit more clearance.

[Boosted LS1]

I'de get the sump off and let the engine stand for 24 hours to let oil drain of the casing sides. Then I'd put some really good silicone onto the cleaned block face. The black stuff is good. I'd next bond the gasket to the pan with silicone and then button it all up. It will never leak again but will be a pain to scrape off next time you have the sump off.

Boosted

[devoniain]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to leave it a fortnight until I've got a free weekend rather than end up leaving it open to the elements with the sump off for a week because I get stuck.

It's a bit of a pain because it's had the engine out and apart plenty of times since I've had it by various TVR people (mains, valves etc etc have all been done) and never ever comes back without an oil leak somewhere. Always takes the shine of the pleasure of getting it back when I see that little black mark appear on the floor