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Successfully Installed the dreaded oil pan gasket in a \'80 16v today: I wasted more energy thinking about it than actually doing the job, but came up with a slightly modified method that worked better than expected!

Firstly, thanks to Erkka - for I took his lead in the \'cut and paste\' approach.

Secondly, I used the thin hand cut cork/neoprene composite gasket from UltramaticDynamics.com. - not the OEM cork (perhaps the Big 3 now have this type, for I\'ve had this sitting around for over a year)

I did not want to drop the rack, etc., etc., by the traditional method - so I loosened the 4 17mm mount bolts by ~20mm. In addition, the starter came off, and all other accessories were removed or swung aside ( for a TB job awaiting parts). Then, by jacking the pan, the 4 short bastard bolts under the cross member were removed with a 10mm spanner (the center rear of the pan also has a short bolt). By lowering the pan/engine, all remaining 6mm bolts were removed. BTW, when you pull down the front end of the pan, be prepared to catch the oil trapped in the rear.

With the pan dropped, the entire 24 year old gasket came with it. A lot of careful prying, and the gasket came out in two pieces. By blocking and jacking slightly under the lower bell housing, an important extra inch of clearance was gained as the engine was lifted. At this point, I \"double L\" cut the surface of the gasket at front center. Then, with an 18\" piece of (brake line) tubing with a small hook attached, a gasket end was looped around the pick-up tube and progressively fed to the back. This gasket type is very thin and flexible, so it took a bit of manipulation - but in it went!! The cut ends were joined with a very fine bead of gel \'Krazy Glue\'. And the rest is history ....

It turned out to be quite easy to do. Simply loosening the mount bolts is key. Doing the cut and paste entirely from

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