Hey guys so I'm in need of changing my upper oil pan. I was changing the oil pressure sensor and on its way out it made a crack in the threaded area and then when I took out the sensor the threaded portion broke off. So the question is what's the best way to tackle the job, removing the front suspension (from the bottom) or removing it from the top like the fsm states? Also what are other things I should replace while the engine is out (maintenence wise)

 

As long as you have a covered place to work, taking the front end off and pulling the motor is the best way to go. As far as what else to do, it might help if you posted mileage, condition of engine, drivetrain, etc. to help us make any recommendations.

 

Sorry forgot to mention all of that, yeah we have a covered place to work on it and we should have access to an engine lift hoist as well. The car is a

2004
6 speed manual
107k miles
Engine is great, I've never abused the engine, no unusual noises only problem I have sometimes is in the morning when I first start the car it'll crank for an extra 3 seconds before it fires up the engine, I'm not sure if spark plug change would fix that unless you have any other recommendation as what could cause that

and as far as pulling the front end, do you mean pulling the front cross member and working from the bottom, or working from the top ie: taking the hood, upper engine components off like the fsm states etc

 

I did mine by bracing the motor from the top and removing the subrame. Took me and a friend roughly 5-6 hours.

 

To me, it was easier to pull the front bumper, radiator and support structures and simply get to the engine from there. At your mileage, you'll have to make a few decisions on what to replace. The clutch and flywheel should at least inspected, along with the throwout bearing. You can easily access the front pulley and replace the accessory belt and may as well consider replacing the water pump at that point.

 

Cool! The clutch/flywheel/throwout bearing were replaced 2k miles ago, both belts were replaced about 300 miles ago. I'll look into changing the water pump, I'm also thinking of doing the spark plugs and checking the timing chain as well

 

I did it same way. Why would you do anything from the front? You can even leave the rack attached to the crossmember and swing it out of the way.

 

 

 

Sorry I didn't take pics. But roughly $125 per hour and the dealer is going to pull the engine to do it. I could see the $1800 and it's just RTV that seals the upper pan.