Oil Pan Replacement Universal M-18 Catalina 27 1985

[Loose Ends]

Is there enough room under the engine to replace the oil pan without lifting the engine?
I know hand space would be tight, and a lot of working by feel, but is there enough clearance?
Anyone out there done it?

Thanks

 

[Skipper]

Post that picture you sent me of the pan. See if others think the pan needs replacing. Dipstick tube, yes; but pan, even though it looks rusty, may be salvageable, especially since we assume you've eradicated the water/rust source. Get opinions on that pic before you spend $300 on a pan plus a knuckle banger to replace it

Edit: I just noticed that my reply to your PM may not have transmitted.
In it I said that once you get the tube off, the inside might still be clean and with good integrity. Scrape some rust off the pan and check the metal.
I did not replace my pan, only the tube. Although my pan is a little better shape.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

I don't know about your 27 - but there is not enough room on my M25 - Catalina 36 combo remove the pan before with the engine in place.

 

[Loose Ends]

Here is a picture of where the dipstick tube connects to the pan. I was going to replace the tube but when I saw where it connected to the pan I became a little hesitant to start loosening bolts. We all know what happens when you poke the bear in the cage. Bolt breaks, need parts, wait for parts, sailing season shot.
I did do some very rough poking around on the tube with a sharp object, and it is still very solid, just lots and lots of surface rust. Thinking about sanding as best as possible priming then painting. Any thoughts?

 

[LeslieTroyer]

to me it looks far enough gone I would pull the pan and weld new metal in there - and replace the dipstick if available - fab a new one if not. If it started leaking - you could be out of oil before you knew it -