Oil Pan Problems

[seii]

Hello everyone!

I have a 1984 Supra that I grabbed off a lot several months ago. It had some flaws, but I was ready for a project car - so I thought. I've been able to fix everything except one REALLY annoying problem - a small oil leak from the aging oil pan gasket.

I've read many really helpful articles on replacing the gasket, what to do, how to get it back on, etc...but my particular pan is almost cemented on there somehow. It does appear to still be using the mk2's cork gasket, not a silicone sealer. The car apparently came from a lifetime in California, so I'm wondering if the gasket isn't just cooked to death from all the heat it's probably been through. I'd REALLY like to avoid pulling the engine - my setup is enough to raise it, but I don't know that it could handle completely supporting it.

Does anyone have any help for how to pry the oil pan loose from the bottom of the engine? I currently have a linoleum knife (hook-shaped), a small hammer, and a mini-screwdriver as my most useful tools. The knife is very helpful, and can cut a decent way into the gasket material. It lacks any leverage to help me get things apart, though.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
-Seii

[bgrieger]

I've used heavy plastic scrapers and hammers before with luck. Drive em in, and the plastic won't damage the metal.

Lots of people "reinforce" the paper/cork gaskets with RTV in order to ensure they won't leak. You might get it off only to find someone used a prybar on it before and gouged the metal, hence the need for RTV.

I also thought the 5M was the same as the 7M and used RTV/FIPG as the facotry gasket...huh...