380 SL Oil Pan
 

Car is on Jack Stands, front subframe on the floor clear of the car. All the little hex (5mm) bolts are out, the 4 (13mm) bolts are out, the 4 (17mm) bolts are out. According to the CD the pan is supposed to come off by pulling down. Apply some pressure, get maybe 1/8" movement then it springs right back in place. Seems to be stuck at the back. What have I missed? Does the starter and the sheet metal on the drivers side need to come off? Does the timing cover/oil pump need to come off first? Do the 6 or 8 (15mm or 17mm) bolts on the vertical walls of the block above the pan need to come out? I thought I was following the CD's instructions, this is getting frustrating:(

How about the transmission bolts??

RE Oil Pan
 

MB Doc, yes the 4 17mm (head) bolts attaching the pan to the transmission have been removed. All the obovious bolts are out, I've been talking with a few of the local mechs. Think I missed the 2 bolts that are "hidden" in holes on either side of the rear center of the pan. Looked up the holes with a mirror and didn't see anything. Will give them a good spray of brake cleaner and take a look. Makes sense, that is where the restriction to movement seems to be located.

There are (2) 5 mm allen bolts that are accessed through the two holes on the bottom side of the bell housing. The 2 bolts secure the pan to the rear crankshaft seal mounting plate. The long 5 mm allen by Hazet or a 1/4" drive ratchet with a 6" extension should reach them....good luck! :D

Re: oil pan
 

The pan is off:) Next question, is a special socket required to get the connecting rod nuts off? The nuts only have castleated grooves about half the width of the nut. Got the pan clear, took a look and had to run off to an other commitment. They look like a bear to remove. Any hints?