Pull the oil pan with engine inthe car - flathead

Is it possible to pull the oil pan, to clean it, with the engine in the car? 1953 Mercury 255 flathead.

 

Merc cruzer.
This is from my 1953 Motors Manual:
“1949-53 Ford & Mercury V8---Drain the crankcase. Remove the starter motor,
clutch return spring, and flywheel housing front cover. Remove the bolt retaining the road air breather duct and remove the duct. Unfasten the steering idler arm bracket from the frame. Take off the steering gear arm and drop the idler arm connecting rod until it hangs from the spindle arms.
Unscrew the oil level indicator tube. Remove the oil pan screws and lower the pan. The two front screws can be reached through access holes provided in the frame front cross member.”
I did this about 45 years ago and as I recall there are a couple of stamped metal “splash guards” in front of and under the cross member. Removing these may be helpful. And while you are in there clean the screen on the oil pump pick-up. Or if you are as **** as me treat it to a new oil pump.
Good Luck.
Mike.

 

If I remember correctly, when I did this in 1959 on my '51 Ford, I had to unbolt the front motor mounts and raise the engine with a jack and get the crankshaft just so the front crankshaft counterweights were on top and it slipped right out. '53 might be different, but probably not. Back in those days, there were home shop techniques that trumped the factory recommended methods. (I did have to drop he steering linkage).

 

From the same 1953 Motors Manual:

“Note-- On some 1949-51 engines it may be necessary to disconnect the front engine supports and raise the front of the engine before the pan can be removed”
It’s good to hear real world accounts verify what the book says.

Mike.

 

I have and automatic. It appears the key is: "raise the engine with a jack and get the crankshaft just so the front crankshaft counterweights were on top and it slipped right out." Jacking location of the engine? Disconnect the waterpump hoses?

 

Good question. But tubman’s comments referred to a ‘51 and my included Note from the Motors manual referred to ‘49-’51, you have a ‘53. I do not remember having to raise the engine on my ‘53. But the question you raise still remains. I don’t remember anything on the front of that engine that lends itself to jacking it up. Maybe tubman can educate us both on how he did it. But perhaps the ‘53 doesn’t need it.

Mike.

 

i had to raise front of the motor on a '50 ford to get it out, not sure if you do on a 53