Oil pan Baffle hitting crank...

[forcefed86]

So while removing my oil pan I noticed the center baffle was domed a bit. A firm push popped this back into place fairly easily. Upon installation I think this baffle has popped up again and may be slightly touching the crank. Since my engine is shoe horned into this rx-7, oil pan removal is anything but easy. I was trying to think of a way to pop this baffle back down without removal of the pan. Anyone have any ideas? I was thinking maybe a steel dowel down the dipstick tube?

Has this ever happened to anyone else? Suggestions welcome.

Thanks

 

[Squid4life]

Maybe a piece of 1/4" rod (or coat hanger) with a "J" on the end. Reach it up through the drain plug, hook it, and pull back down?

 

[turbofabricator]

If you pull the dipstick tube (because the tube has a bend in it making a rod impossible to slide in there), you "might" be able to push the baffle down with a 1/4" rod or even a phillips screw driver. Yes, I have had the baffle hit the crank, but just removed it and bent it down. You could also drill a new "drain hole" in the pan directly under the hole in the baffle then use a J-hook to pull it down. Then screw in one of those self sealing drain plug repair deals from the "OH SH!T" section of the parts store. (aka "HELP" section)

 

[forcefed86]

Thanks all it was a no go. I was able to get 1/4" steel rod in there. Wasn't able to get the baffle pushed down though. Pulled the pan and cut the damn baffle back a good 1.5" . Don't have to pull the motor mount bolts and jack the engine up now to pull the pan. Should have done this a long time ago!

 

[Squid4life]

Glad you got it fixed! You still in ICT? I remember seeing that car around when I lived back there.

 

[forcefed86]

Sure do. The car was alot faster last time out. Plagued by gremlins lately though. Went 10.78 @ 128 on 19psi (only 14* total timing too!). I usually run 30psi or so. Hope to turn it up this weekend!

 

[Squid4life]

Nice! Those are some good numbers! I always loved that car. Super sleeper, but also super serious! I remember the first time I saw your car was once week after I sold a car very similar to yours but a convertible. I was kicking myself, thinking I should have doen a hybrid!

Cool car brother. Take care!

 

[TurboTnZ06]

I used a 90 degree scratch awl through the drain hole and a spare oil pan to look at as a guide to find a place to pull down on the baffle until it cleared. I think there was a hole in the baffle I found to get it snagged on to pull down.