oil pan gasket replacement 300E

[crichardson]

I can't seem to find what I'm looking for in the archives. My 1990 300E is leaking oil and I believe it needs an oil pan gasket. Looks like alot of disassembly to get done. From what I've read, the sway bar, air cleaner, and fan shroud has to come off and the front engine mounts removed and tilt the engine up a little to get the pan out over the cross member. Any tips on this would be appreciated.

[Mike Richards]

While I've never done the job, I too have researched this issue as well. Lots of work.

Seems like you'll need some sort of engine hoist over the top of the engine to hold it up once you get it jacked up a bit.

Have also read there may be considerations with regard to radiator hose(s)...may need to be removed.

[euro 287]

You are sure it is your oil pan and not the rear main seal ( which will drip from transmission bellhousing as well as frnt pump.) or the front timing cover which will leak all over passengers side of block and alternator bracket. If it is the oil pan gasket , I have never done one on ground but if you remove the front swaybar and remove all bolts from oil pan plus sender wire for low oil lever sender. Then remove motor mount bolts from bottom (two 8 allens or 17mm on some cars) you can borrow a jig to hoist engine from auto zone or somewhere ( dont need hoist on lift cause I use a screwjack under the alternator bracket to lift it) anyways sometimes you have to roll the engine over to clear the crankshaft to relmove oil pan. This should help you some but be sure to clean the engine and make sure it is leaking . I have many people come in with 300e's and e320's saying oil pan gasket leaking when the timing cover or rear main is at fault.