Dented oil pan
 

How far can an oil pan be dented in (more like crushed in this case) before it interferes with the oil pickup? The project truck I just got has had this happen to it. I would say that the front left corner is dented up 3/4-1”. I don’t believe the engine is good anyway, but curious how far the oil pan can go before things get bad.

Re: Dented oil pan
 

On a side note… I have probably done over 2000 oil changes in my life and the oil filter on this truck was in the top 2 or 3 of hardest to get off. I ended up ripping the outside metal shell off and pulled out the filter internals. Then I used an angle grinder to cut a slight notch on the base metal so I could get an air hammer on it.

Holy crap it was a pain!!! But it’s off with no damage to the engine (yes the engine that’s probably blown. Haha).

Re: Dented oil pan
 

The oil pump pick up tube is normally only press fit to the pump and will move if needed.
Likely not a problem like that.

The worst filter I ever removed was on a Pontiac 301 in a 80 trans am I bought new. It had 3000 miles on it. Had to do pretty well the same as you.

Re: Dented oil pan
 

The front edge of the pump pickup, will likely be behind the dent in the pan...(more mid to rear). I dont see an issue, but would replace the pan if building;) Longhorn:chevy:

Re: Dented oil pan
 

Awesome, thx for the input.

Re: Dented oil pan
 

I wouldn't worry at the moment. Placement of the dent is not in a critical area where the pickup tube is. When the pan comes off just pound the dent back with something like a 2x2 block of wood or a round dowel. I've sometimes used the blunt end of another hammer handle. I've seen dents like that a lot over the years from people using a floor jack without a block of wood on them