Hey guys I have a 1984 ford f-150 with a 302 2wd

Cant seem to find anything about how difficult it is to replace the oil pan gasket anyone do one?

Walk-through?

How hard is it? Does the motor needs to be lifted?

 

Yes, the engine has to be raised. I've done it on a 351W, which should be the same as a 302, and it was not easy nor fun. In fact, I vowed not to do it again and will pull the engine on Big Blue in order to replace the pan - although he has a 460 which is even harder.

Anyway, the first thing to do is to drain the oil, and then wait a day or two if you can for all the oil that is up in the engine to drain down as it is no fun to have it dripping on you as you are working.

Then you'll have to disconnect the exhaust and remove the air cleaner. Remove the hold-downs on the fan shroud, which will let the shroud move up with the fan as the engine is raised. Remove the nuts on the studs that hold the motor mounts into the perches. And then put a piece of 2x4 against the harmonic balancer and put a jack under that and slowly raise the engine, checking frequently to ensure nothing is hitting the cab or radiator, or that wires are getting stretched. One to check for sure is the engine-to-frame ground on the right front.

Once you have it raised you need to block it some way to ensure it cannot slip and crush your hands. 2x4's between the mounts and the perches should work. But, be safe!

 

It helps to loosen the transmission mount (but don't remove the bolts completely). When you get the oil pan bolts out, note that pan is not going to come out since the oil pump and pickup tube hang down into the pan. Hopefully you will have the pan down enough to clean it and be sure not leave any junk in the pan. Some like to use RTV Silicone rather than using a gasket. RTV works very well as long as both surfaces are clean and dry. If you can not guarantee that both surfaces will be oil free, then use a gasket. In that case I would coat both sides of the gasket with a sealer like Permatex No. 2.

 

Say, wasn't there a detailed and humorous write-up on the whole process? Who was that guy? Can't remember his name, but heard he is really handsome. Bet he smells nice, too.

Found it!:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...y-84-351w.html

 

How about distinguishing the whether it's a oil pan leak or the read main seal?

 

LOL! I hadn't seen that thread, but looking at the date I know I was in Nicaragua at the time.

Anyway, that's the best write-up I've seen on this.