What was in my oil pan?

[socalbenz]

I dropped my oil pan today. What a pain in the neck. The allen bolts at the front are hard to get to. Several of them could only be turned 1/8 a turn at a time. I found a broken piece of plastic in the pan(first attachment)? I also expected there to be some sort of a screen on the pickup for the pump.

I pulled the pan because my oil pressure was low at idle. I thought the low oil pressure might have caused me to burn up the cam. I replaced the cam and rockers, but before I started her I wanted to visually inspect the oil pump. Had I realized how hard it would be to pull the pan off I probably would not have bothered. I guess I am glad I pulled the pan off, but I am not sure what I learned.

Anyone able to tell me what the plastic is from or if my oil pickup is complete?

[t walgamuth]

Yeah, that was the rubber funnell that resides under your oil pickup. You'll want to get a new one. It allows the pump to pick up oil very low but allows flexibility in case the pan gets pushed up.

[socalbenz]

Got it, A dealer only item I assume. I think I will get a new pan while I am at it. Mine is bent and I suspect the source of one of my bigger oil leaks.

Thanks

[t walgamuth]

Yeah, maybe dealer only. A nice straight pan is good insurance, though a good used one should work too.

[bwostosh]

Try replacing the motor mounts to get those front oil pan bolt accessible.

[socalbenz]

I think I will replace the motor mounts, thanks for the suggestion. I need to rent a cherry picker to remove the engine/tranny from my parts car anyway. Probably should replace the subframe bushings too while I am at it.