Reply to "Call for help 1 hour North of the SanFrancisco Bay Area (Santa Rosa)"

OK,

I spent the whole day preparing for the pan removal.

I went and bought a large floor jack, and jackstands.

I bought the long 1/4" extensions, and universal I'll need to get the pan nuts off.

I bought the new oil pump, spins as free as can be, unlike the one in the car that snaps pins for lunch.

I bought a new oil pan gasket, and silicone sealant.

I bought a new rear main seal, (2 piece) so I can replace the lower half while we're down there.

I bought a creeper, to make things easier while one is working on their back.

I drained the oil, bought a magnetic oil plug when I saw that the one being used was not magnetic (which might have avoided this whole mess).

Chuck says he'll be here around 5, and I have everything as ready as I can have it for him to work his magic. He's had the pan out of his car many times, so this should be par for the course for him (I hope).

Again, my hopes are that something inert or stupid is stuck in the pump, and we can simply install the new pump, reinstall the pan, and button the car up, and I'll be back on the road in a day or 2.

We will hopefully know in a couple hours. I'm hoping the pan comes off without too much difficulty.

Roger called this morning, and said he'd been feeling under the weather the last few days, but he offered to come up tomorrow and help remove the engine from the car. I was very glad to hear that offer from him.

I told him to take a day or 2 to feel better, and that Chuck and I will give removing the pan a shot. If we strike out, then I'd take him up on his offer.

Removing the entire engine/transaxle is a MUCH bigger undertaking, but if the pan won't come out, then it's the only option, and it'll mean a LOT more work.

I truly hope the pan comes off without issue. Roger couldn't remember if he'd studded the block, which would require the engine be raised an inch for the pan to come off, but the motor mount tower bolts are all off anyways (that's what I rebroke my sternum trying to loosen) so even if it's necessary to raise the engine, it should be possible.

I'm going to be there to help Chuck and do what I can, hopefully the next chapter in this story ends with everyone living happily ever after!

Wish us luck!