Oil Pan Replacement Tricks??

[Thomas M]

I'll be working under the car with the front end up on ramps.

I know I have to be careful replacing the bolts so they don't strip out.
I guess the ones near the tranny can be a problem???

Are there any tricks in replacing the pan and gasket to make the job a little easier????

[bscutt]

It's been over a decade since i did one but used a bit of gasket sealer to secure the gasket to the pan and then put the pan in place with a few bolts to get it positioned. A line long extension for a ratchet (1/4 inch) works nice to get up in there. Beyond that it's just wrestling with it enough and yes those two bolts by the transmission are not fun. The long skinny extension can help get the bolts started, just no ratchet until they get started. Mine was all MK1 stuff, not sure if the MKII has less working room

[greg lousy]

next time I do one i'm replacing those ones near the tranny with allen or phillips heads... do myself a future favor.
I think I held pan in place with a jack at first... also, heavy duty gaskets are available, and are much harder to rip when things get awkward

[Fatmobile]

The 2.0 ABA gasser blocks use a rubber oil pan gasket.
It fit's our Rabbits.

[bscutt]

That's good to know (ABA rubber gaskets) Last one I did was on my '80 Rabbit which I sold about 10 years ago. gasket was made of a material that was cork with rubber impregnated in it which sealed nicely but also took to some gasket sealer well, allowing it to stick to the pan perfectly. And I may well have also used a small jack to hold it up too

[Thomas M]

On this rare occasion, it came off and was replaced without a hitch. No special tricks required. Just lots of care !!

????????

Thanks for the tips folks !!!