How easy or difficult to drop engine oil pan?

[John Perri]

Was ready for a beautiful day of sailing on my '85 C27 but apparently she wasn't. Upon opening the engine door to check the oil, i discovered lots of oil under the pan and then in the bilge. Seems like a leak direct from the pan orpossibly where the dipstip funnel meets the pan. Question is, how easy or difficult is it to drop the pan? I did car engine work 30 years ago and remember dropping lots of pans. I may have the marina fix this but any help would be appreciated and of course save me money. Thanks, JP

 

[John]

Drop the oil pan is easy.

The only question is if you have good access to undo all the screws. You need a new gasket as well.

 

[Jim willis]

Funny you should ask- just had oil leak myself...

Luckily I discovered it before taking the boat out but had to switch off the bilge pump and flush and pump by hand into 5 gallon, then transfer into 55 gal drum.I was dreading the possibility that it was the pan or drain plug (mine has one of those rubber extension pipes). This is becuase the engine/trans would have to be disconnected from the prop shaft and lifted up on a crane.However, after topping up the oil and running with some whte oil-absrobent pads underneath I saw the leak- FROM THE OIL FILTER that had become very rusty.On replacing the filter I noticed that the machined pad for the filter gasket was also rusty. Had to remove rust (scaping and scuffing), clean the whole area and then used a TINY amount of silicone sealant to help make up for the rough surface.I intend to completely change the oil, and put on yet another filter after I have put some phosporic rust killer on the pad also.Hope your problem is as simpleThanksJim W