73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? - Forums - Official C3 Vette Registry - C3 Corvette Registry

Home page

☰

SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors! | Advertise Here

Topic: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair???

in Forum: C3 Engines

Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

Hide Signatures

73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (1/27)
2/18/16 1:41pm

Tooch1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1973 Convertible, L48, 4 Speed, PS, Numbers Matching, Mille Miglia Red, Dark Red Interior NCRS Top Flight Award Chapter/ June 2016

Joined: 11/29/2015
Posts: 47

Anyone have any ideas as to why my oil pan would have a plug on the right side? Pan is original with correct drain plug in front center. However, there is this very bad looking repair (plug) on the right side. I'll try to post a photo here if I can. Any ideas/comments appreciated. Thanks. Sorry about the giant photo, but as I said previously, Im not sure why I can't post, or edit a photo on this site. I use my Ipad most of the time for photos. Also, I did try using Chrome as a browser and had made no difference. I have the same issues when I use my PC. Once again, I do appologize for my lack of computer skills posting photos here...thanks.

Oil pan pic

(modified large image to link-aapple)

|UPDATED|2/18/2016 10:41:54 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

______________
Tooch1 Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter NCRS Laurel Valley Corvette Club

Our Sponsors help support C3VR

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (2/27)
2/18/16 10:41am

Lifetime Member

Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

WEST SENECA, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.

Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379

Maybe the previous owner had a oil temperature sensor in that spot???

The plug is to high up to drain the oil completely from the pan.

______________

GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

3.54 Dana 44

'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975

Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.

Lifetime Member #26

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (3/27)
2/18/16 1:44pm

Lifetime Member

Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20129

I agree....prolly a temp sensor installed there at some point. It's too low to be a turbo line return.

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (4/27)
2/18/16 3:08pm

Vman73
Former Member
Send Private Message

Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.

Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

Hey Jim, pretty bizarre plug. Nice original pan and they did that ?? Well the good news is the pan can be replaced without removing the motor. I think we should be allowed to go back and shoot some of these previous owners. Some people should stick to beat up Camaro's and Mustangs !!

______________
John Sigmund

valkman57@sbcglobal.net

NCRS Member 61302

NW NCRS Chapter Member

Duct tape is the new Black !!

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (5/27)
2/18/16 3:40pm

knotacare
Former Member
Send Private Message

Newark, DE - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Conv, 454HO,500HP-600TQ, TKO-600,3:70 HD rear,hotrod air, custom paint & suspension,1973 Ruby Red,T-top, 383 Stroker, TK)-500,frame off restro, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 340 stroker to 406, Dana 60

Joined: 7/26/2004
Posts: 463

I would drop the pan & weld a plug in place then grind smooth & paint . Not to hard of a job & if you don't weld it wouldn't cost much for some to do it for you. I agree buba's should be punished, they seem to cause more problems than the old cars do..

Alan

______________

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (6/27)
2/18/16 8:05pm

Tooch1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1973 Convertible, L48, 4 Speed, PS, Numbers Matching, Mille Miglia Red, Dark Red Interior NCRS Top Flight Award Chapter/ June 2016

Joined: 11/29/2015
Posts: 47

Thanks Joel for taking care of the photo for me. Yes, it is hard to believe that someone would do something like that. No doubt Bubba left his mark here! I am going to eventually fix it, either by replacing the pan, or having a better patch welded in as suggested above. Having never dropped an oil pan on a vette is there anything inside the pan I'll need to be concerned with? Can I just drain it, remove the bolts and down she comes? And, will it clear the power steering unit? Thanks guys!

______________
Tooch1 Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter NCRS Laurel Valley Corvette Club

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (7/27)
2/19/16 6:54pm

nosal1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Tooch,Depending on your engine and the pan you have,it may be necessary to remove or rather loosen and lower the steering plunger center link.

I have had to change pans on a Vette in the past that was just a little bigger than the one I took out,however not to worry.

If you need to get by the steering and can not then,you would go to the idler arm (right side on the frame) scribe an outline of the Idler arm so it will go back to it's original place.You should be able lower Arm,steering center link etc.and take pan bolts out and drop the pan.I would have everything ready with either a replacement pan(I would suggest buying another not use the tampered pan)and replace the pan ASAP and re bolt the idler arm.

It's not as bad as it sounds.

I don't have a picture of the Idler arm in place on the frame,however Joel or another member may have a picture of the Idler arm.

Good luck

Sal C

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (8/27)
2/20/16 9:19am

Tooch1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1973 Convertible, L48, 4 Speed, PS, Numbers Matching, Mille Miglia Red, Dark Red Interior NCRS Top Flight Award Chapter/ June 2016

Joined: 11/29/2015
Posts: 47

Thank you Sal, I know where the idler arm is located. I was hoping the pan removal wouldn't require anything else to be touched, but I don't think it will clear. I'm probably going to have my mechanic help me with this job. It will be a lot easier to do on his lift. More so, than me lying on my garage floor trying to to do the job.

______________
Tooch1 Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter NCRS Laurel Valley Corvette Club

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (9/27)
2/20/16 10:16am

nosal1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Agree to the lift,it will be a lot easier.I did mine in my driveway and it was a narrow driveway.Nevertheless I got it done.

Good luck, you will not have a problem.

Sal C

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (10/27)
2/20/16 11:59am

dwa175
Former Member
Send Private Message

leesburg, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1979 coupe and now 2007 c-6

Joined: 7/19/2014
Posts: 195

hi when pan is off have a good scraper and make sure all the old gasket is off double check you don't want oil leaks and have do to over everybody says ok but leave some gasket you will have leaks hate to see you do it twice. dwa

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (11/27)
2/21/16 9:00am

Tooch1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1973 Convertible, L48, 4 Speed, PS, Numbers Matching, Mille Miglia Red, Dark Red Interior NCRS Top Flight Award Chapter/ June 2016

Joined: 11/29/2015
Posts: 47

Most say the felpro one piece gasket is the best to use, instead of the 4 piece. Any thoughts?

______________
Tooch1 Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter NCRS Laurel Valley Corvette Club

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (12/27)
2/21/16 11:44am

nosal1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Tooch1 Agreed For the last few years since Fel Pro put out this one piece gasket pan gasket I have used on all my engine builds.

I would also suggest a thin,very thin,amount of RTV black on the gasket before you set the pan in place.Also extra bit of the black "under' the the front and rear "loops", to assure a great seal from timing cover and rear of the pan.

Good Luck.

Sal C

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (13/27)
2/21/16 6:15pm

Tooch1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1973 Convertible, L48, 4 Speed, PS, Numbers Matching, Mille Miglia Red, Dark Red Interior NCRS Top Flight Award Chapter/ June 2016

Joined: 11/29/2015
Posts: 47

Thank you Sal, Will do! I'll let you know how things work out, Tooch

______________
Tooch1 Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter NCRS Laurel Valley Corvette Club

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (14/27)
2/21/16 8:20pm

nosal1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Your welcome and do let me know how you make out.

Sal C nosal1

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (15/27)
2/22/16 8:32pm

Tooch1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1973 Convertible, L48, 4 Speed, PS, Numbers Matching, Mille Miglia Red, Dark Red Interior NCRS Top Flight Award Chapter/ June 2016

Joined: 11/29/2015
Posts: 47

Hi Sal,

I have a quick question for you concerning the Fel Pro Gasket. Did you re-use your original oil pan bolts with the correct head markings?

I notice the bolts that come with the gasket are about 4 threads longer than the originals. BTW I decided to tackle this job myself in my garage. We've had some unseasonably warm weather the last couple days here in SW Pa. Today was in the 50's so I took on the job. Not too easy under there being 6'2" Smile

Smile

I had to take the two upper control arm bolts out, and it hung down enough to let the pan out from under the PS linkage etc. I am having my mechanic weld in a patch, and I'll do the body work on the pan, and refinish up like new. I was hoping to use the original bolts. But, If means I'll have leaks, then I'll use the others. That Blue Gasket seems a bit thicker than the old cork style. (Will the Blue show between the block and the pan?) I want to have the car judged, at Chapter in the spring, so these little things matter.

Let me know about the bolts ASAP.

thanks again,

Tooch

______________
Tooch1 Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter NCRS Laurel Valley Corvette Club

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (16/27)
2/23/16 5:25am

nosal1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Toch1, Yes the bolts are a little longer as the gasket is thicker and require the longer length,,Definitely use the bolts with the gasket.I assume the inside of the pan is in good shape.As suggested by dwa175 I think,be sure to clean the gasket surface very good,especially the front and rear loops.I have used metal sand paper (also wire wheel ) on the front and back to be sure the RTV and the gasket seats better.Have fun and be careful under the car.I am assume you have the car is up on car jacks.Take care, Sal C nosal1

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (17/27)
2/23/16 9:42am

Tooch1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1973 Convertible, L48, 4 Speed, PS, Numbers Matching, Mille Miglia Red, Dark Red Interior NCRS Top Flight Award Chapter/ June 2016

Joined: 11/29/2015
Posts: 47

Sal, I was afraid you were going to say that about the original bolts. Oh well, I'm sure this won't be my only pt. deducts anyway. Yes, my pan lip is very clean, as is the bottom of the block. My mechanic is going to make sure the rails are nice and straight too. I'm also getting different opinions on using the sealant on the rails of the pan. My guy (and others) say it's only needed in the front and rear corners. .?? Thanks, Jim

______________
Tooch1 Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter NCRS Laurel Valley Corvette Club

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (18/27)
2/23/16 10:25am

nosal1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Tooch1, I use the black RTV as an assurance of a good seal between the pan and gasket.This an additional step I take to be sure I don't get a leak.I am too lazy to do this job twice,let alone once. It is your choice either way is alright. Good work and good luck. Sal C nosal1

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (19/27)
2/23/16 11:42am

Tooch1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1973 Convertible, L48, 4 Speed, PS, Numbers Matching, Mille Miglia Red, Dark Red Interior NCRS Top Flight Award Chapter/ June 2016

Joined: 11/29/2015
Posts: 47

Thanks, I have the clear RTV Silicone Adhesive. Any difference in the black, or just your preference?

______________
Tooch1 Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter NCRS Laurel Valley Corvette Club

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (20/27)
2/23/16 11:57am

nosal1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Tooch1 I use both RTV however,because the Black RTV I use has more universal usage and I have more confidence in it's sealing,however I do use the adhesive clear on special cases where it needs to be an adhesive sealant. No problem.Like I say the Black is also used where sensors are installed to prevent leaks like on O2 sensors.

Sal C nosal1

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (21/27)
2/23/16 10:34pm

Tooch1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1973 Convertible, L48, 4 Speed, PS, Numbers Matching, Mille Miglia Red, Dark Red Interior NCRS Top Flight Award Chapter/ June 2016

Joined: 11/29/2015
Posts: 47

Sal, Got the pan back from the welder, patch was great. Refinished the pan by sanding, priming and a fresh coat of Chevy Orange looks really nice. There are some jobs that you should just pay someone to do, and this is one of them. I will NEVER attempt this again without a lift. Haven't put oil in yet, want everything to seat overnight. Did use the black RTV in the corners . Keeping fingers crossed it doesn't leak. I'd love to post some pictures but, it is too much of a major project for me to post on this forum. I tried to upload three nice photos but they came up too large. I never have this problem posting on the NCRS. Sorry for ranting. Thank you so much for all your suggestions. Jim

______________
Tooch1 Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter NCRS Laurel Valley Corvette Club

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (22/27)
2/24/16 5:40am

nosal1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Jim, Think positive and fill her up with oil and new filter.Be sure to select oil that has an adequate amount of Zinc Phosphate to protect internal metal parts.If ZDDP is absent in your oil then find a auto parts store and buy ZDDP brand of Zinc.If not in you local area,Ebay has a multiple of suppliers selling the ZDDP brand suggested by Joe Gibbs Racing and Joe himself.Take care and Happy Motoring. Sal C nosal1

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (23/27)
3/6/16 9:52am

Tooch1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Vette(s):
1973 Convertible, L48, 4 Speed, PS, Numbers Matching, Mille Miglia Red, Dark Red Interior NCRS Top Flight Award Chapter/ June 2016

Joined: 11/29/2015
Posts: 47

Sal, Project complete! So far so good. I'll try to add some pics. BTW, I tried to reuse original bolts on the rail sides only and most did have enough thread to catch, but I chickened out and used the longer bolts. Just to be sure there were no leaks. Like you, this is a job I never want to do twice!😱 Thanks again.

|UPDATED|3/6/2016 6:52:05 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

______________
Tooch1 Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter NCRS Laurel Valley Corvette Club

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (24/27)
3/6/16 9:49am

dwa175
Former Member
Send Private Message

leesburg, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1979 coupe and now 2007 c-6

Joined: 7/19/2014
Posts: 195

I like black the best you do not need a lot in front and rear, sides very little dwa175

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (25/27)
3/6/16 9:50am

dwa175
Former Member
Send Private Message

leesburg, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1979 coupe and now 2007 c-6

Joined: 7/19/2014
Posts: 195

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (26/27)
3/6/16 10:40am

nosal1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Jim Good looking job as seen in your pic's and good thinking on the pan bolts.Put the OEM bolts in a sandwich bag and keep in the car and if a judge crawls underneath the car to check out the bolts you can save him the trouble and hand him the bag to see them!!!! ha ha Great job and Happy Motoring.. Sal C

Re: 73 SB Oil Pan Side Plug Repair??? (27/27)
3/6/16 10:43am

nosal1
Former Member
Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

I use the RTV more than any of the silicons out there and have great success... Take care Sal C

Our Sponsors help support C3VR