I need to change my engine oil sump gasket on my 350 72 Skylark, ive had a quick look and ive noticed the clearance is tight. Would i need to lift the motor a couple of inches to get the sump out as ive got a funny feeling that the oil pick up will make things difficult. Any info would be great!
I have only had experience with a 70 stage lark a lot of years ago with the 455. As I remember, you need to pull the motor mount bolts, and put a jack under the harmonic balancer and raise the engine up to get clearance from the cross member to get the pan out. Then just unbolt and work it out. You might have to drop the starter and the trans inspection cover. Also you will have to remove the fan/clutch assembly and the fan shroud to keep from busting stuff. be carefull because you can break the aluminum case on the trans if you put too much pressure on it against the floor tunnel. Dont ask me how I know, but I know. he he he. Then when you get it off the best way to clean the old gasket off the flange is to use a wire brush on a bench grinder. Then glue the new gasket to the pan and put wheel bearing grease on the top of the new gasket so it will slide easy against the block. Tighten it with a 1/4 '' rachet to keep from over torqueing.
The 350 is more of a "Y" block than the 455. In other words, the crank is recessed more into the block. The 350 oil pan is a flat gasket- no rear rubber seal like the 455. The easiest way to do it would be as Doc suggested, remove the two motor mount bolts and raise the engine. Personally, Ive never been a fan of jacking the motor up from the balancer. Although its a common practice. I use my engine crane and a chain attached to the the cylinder head assessory bolt holes. Once the engine is up, I take a wood block and wedge it between the motor mount and the perch. You can then lower the engine crane and take it out of the way. The engine will stay up safely with the wood blocks in there.
