I have a suspect oil pump, and need to access it. Has anyone had success dropping the pan while leaving the engine (more or less) in the car? Mine is a basic Martin kit build (Martin's sub frame mod, oil pan, headers etc) but with all the SN95 short front accessories (PS, A/C).

I'm guessing support the engine with the hoist, disconnect the steering shaft and drop the k-member.

Any other suggestions, or is this the best way to go?

Thanks in advance--
TM

 

You may be able to disconnect the rack from the sub-frame & let it hang while you remove the sub-frame. MAYBE.

 

I got lucky. Decided to double check pressure by installing a mechanical oil pressure gauge. Teed into my current setup (real Miata sensor located remotely by using a former slave cylinder line...), warmed it up and waited for the oil pressure to start acting up, and the mechanical gauge verified that my pressure is fine. So, now it's off to chase a wiring gremlin, as my spare Miata sensor acts exactly the same way. It's nice to not have to drop the k-member.

That was the good news.

While under the hood I discovered my kit radiator has a small leak. Another project to tackle.

TM

 

Be sure to run a Motorcraft filter. If you are chasing an oil pressure issue, start there. I remember Ford sending out a TSB about it around 25 years ago.