Engine OK to sit on ground: damage to oil pan?
06-25-2018, 12:37 PM
#1
Engine OK to sit on ground: damage to oil pan? Hello,
I need to connect my engine and trans before installing them in my car. Is it OK for an LS engine to sit on the ground on its oil pan? What about after I get them connected together? Can the engine and transmission sit on the ground without damaging the oil pan? The aluminum F-body oil pan I put on the 5.3 certainly feels stronger than the old metal pans on the 350s that we used to sit on the ground.
Thanks,
Brandon
I need to connect my engine and trans before installing them in my car. Is it OK for an LS engine to sit on the ground on its oil pan? What about after I get them connected together? Can the engine and transmission sit on the ground without damaging the oil pan? The aluminum F-body oil pan I put on the 5.3 certainly feels stronger than the old metal pans on the 350s that we used to sit on the ground.
Thanks,
Brandon
06-25-2018, 01:10 PM
#2
Staging Lane
I don't see an issue with it, especially with the cast alum oil pan. Personally, I'd put some wood blocks underneath the pan to prevent scratching up the bottom.
When I did the swap in my 67 Firebird, I had the engine sitting on a heavy duty furniture dolly. That way I can roll it around, plus it makes installing the transmission awhole lot easier.
When I did the swap in my 67 Firebird, I had the engine sitting on a heavy duty furniture dolly. That way I can roll it around, plus it makes installing the transmission awhole lot easier.
06-25-2018, 01:48 PM
#3
On the other hand -- I wouldn't take the chance. Aluminum castings are actually pretty easy to break, especially with a point load. Of course, I had the handy wooden "stand" the motor came to me in, so it was easy to store it there when it wasn't hanging from the cherry picker.
This is going to be one of those things where both sides of the issue will be pointed out. Bottom line -- you get to decide.
This is going to be one of those things where both sides of the issue will be pointed out. Bottom line -- you get to decide.
06-25-2018, 05:23 PM
#5
TECH Senior Member
06-25-2018, 05:43 PM
#7
TECH Senior Member
Trending Topics
06-25-2018, 09:08 PM
#9
TECH Senior Member
Precisely! LOL
06-26-2018, 03:07 PM
#12
My engine was shipped across country banded and stretch wrapped to a pallet with the weight of the engine sitting on the factory aluminum pan. It had some simple wood blocks underneath so the weight was distributed across the front part of the pan and the bottom of the sump. There was no damage while going through freight shipment and that is much harsher than just lowering it carefully with a hoist. I'm sure if you set some wood blocks under in the right places it will be just fine, with or without the transmission connected to it.
06-26-2018, 04:37 PM
#13
GM ships them wire strapped to a pallet front/rear each side with the weight of the engine bearing on the four big machining tabs at each corner of the block (supported by 4 2x4 columns) - cast oil pan suspended above the pallet bearing no weight at all. As shown below....
Attachment 713690
Attachment 713690
06-26-2018, 04:41 PM
#14
ModSquad
iTrader: (6)
I’ve set quite a few of them on my shop floor. I use a 4x4 block under the balancer to support the front. The key is to set it down very easily. VERY easily.
06-27-2018, 11:21 AM
#15
GM ships them wire strapped to a pallet front/rear each side with the weight of the engine bearing on the four big machining tabs at each corner of the block (supported by 4 2x4 columns) - cast oil pan suspended above the pallet bearing no weight at all. As shown below....
06-27-2018, 12:26 PM
#17
TECH Senior Member
A little paranoia is OK. Too much will destroy ya....
