I intend on removing the oil pan on my 89' Bronco 5.0 tomorrow, cause I think some gasket material fell down inside when I replaced the timing chain. The reason I think so is cause now Im having intermittent oil pressure drops that I never had before so Im thinking the pick up screen is getting blocked. The Chilton's manual says I have to remove the upper intake manifold before I remove the oil pan, as well as drain the coolant and remove the fan shroud. What does one have to do with the other when they are on top and the front of the motor and Im working underneath? Seems like a waste of time to me

 

When you are lifting the motor, if you go to far you can jam the plenum into the cowl. Loosening the shroud same thing. It gives you added clearance. If you lift the motor up what happens to the fan? Common sense really. You shouldn't have to drain the coolant unless you pull the Rad.

 

I have found that Haynes and Chilton's manuals often list unnecessary steps. Some of it is no doubt because they will "cut and paste" procedures already written for another application. So I don't necessarily follow their instructions religiously.

 

Ok, now that makes sense! Thanks

 

Raise the engine carefully while having someone else watch the top, or check it yourself frequently. With a little luck you won't have to remove anything up top.

 

Realistically how high does it need raised to pull the pan?

 

I don't know. I've never done it on a fuel injected truck.

 

I'd say 2" or maybe more. I never measured it but I've had to pull the intake to do one on my dads truck(5.0L), but not on mine (4.9L). The upper fan shroud comes right off so there's no point in chancing breaking it.
And I've never had to drain coolant.

 

How far you raise it is a matter of how good a contortionist you are. To get the pan completely off, in addition to raising the engine, you need the exhaust out of the way and you will need both the oil pump pickup and the pump dropped into the pan. Then the pan will slide back and down far enough to come out.

 

Ill get at it tomorrow when its 20 degrees warmer out, supposed to hit about 60.
I took a look as I was draining the oil and it doesnt appear that the exhaust will be in the way any, but I could be lookin at it the wrong way

 

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but that would have to be one heck of a BIG piece of gasket to block off the oil pickup screen. I am doubting that's your problem. Anyone?

 

Im not sure its the problem either. But the intermittent oil pressure drops didnt start til after I replaced the timing chain. It only drops after I drive and get the motor hot. the distance and time it takes varies. It only drops when Im coming to a stop and starts to idle down. Although it doesnt seem to do it when its in Park or neutral, only in gear

 

Well since you are taking the pan off, now would be a GREAT time to replace the oil pump. How many miles on it? Just trying to help out!

 

Already picked up a new pump to do just that! It has about 150K or so on it now

 

Ok sweet! sorry if it seems like I am assuming anything, just never know who has experience with what. I, by all means, DO NOT know it all.
Good Luck!