97 E320. Do I have to remove engine to remove oil pan? Manual says so.

[car5car]

Just bought it, it needs engine repair.

[eric242340]

Originally Posted by car5car

Just bought it, it needs engine repair.

Is your engine the 104 in line 6 cylinder or the 112 V6? For 97 I guess it must be the 104, this can be done without taking the engine out but you will need an engine hoist or support bar as the engine has to be raised slightly, engine mountings removed.

[eric242340]

Here are a couple of pics to give you the idea.

[car5car]

It is inline. Thanks, Eric!
It seems like head gasket is bad. How should I hold chain, when head is removed?

[eric242340]

Originally Posted by car5car

It is inline. Thanks, Eric!
It seems like head gasket is bad. How should I hold chain, when head is removed?

On the 104 that is simple, put the chain around the arms for the engine mountings. It needs to be lifted approx 4". And with the head removed you have plenty of space, but make sure the fan and fan housing are removed first.

[car5car]

Sorry, I didn't explain it right. Question was about timing chain. I guess, I need to hold chain tight somehow to keep on crank sprocket, or it doesn't matter?

[eric242340]

You can tie it off, piece of string and tie it to a unit on the side of the engine or simply put a screw driver through the chain to stop it falling into the engine.

[Gasman59]

Not 100% certain about this engine but I have done a lot of head gaskets, most recently on a Jag V12.
Use steel wire to lock the chain in position around the gear.
Release (or remove) the chain tensioner.
Clearly mark the camshaft gear location relative to the cam and remove it.
Be very careful not to drop the bolts into the engine. I stuff a rag in there at this step, just in case.
Tie off the chain/cam grear to the front of the engine.
You want to avoid too much chain slack at any time that might allow it to slip off the drive gear below.
I do not see a need to remove the oil pan for a head gasket repair, unless a piston(s) need servicing.
Thx.

[eric242340]

^Interesting point, he did not say why he needed to take the oil pan off, but no it is not required for an head gasket job.

[jared at pelican parts]

There's no reason to remove the oil pan to do a head gasket. That said, I had our project car with the M104 just up on the lift and I can't see any way you could get the pan off with out raising the engine up.