March 2003: Sump Problems
Whilst fitting the sump, I had the front of the car up on ramps to make it easier to reach various components. Unfortunately while lying under the car I noticed the sump didn't look quite right. To put it simply it is slightly bent.
Well maybe not slightly.
Try extremely - When removed I found the oil pipe pickup was touching the base of the sump pan! Judge for yourself what was removed from a happily running engine (50psi oil pressure under load!)
Also very suprising is that it doesn't actually leak!
The sump has now been repaired and refitted to the car. It looks a little bit different (I didn't take any photos though)
Sump Fitting Tips
The following should be useful for anyone having to replace a sump on a complete car
Despite what Haynes say if you use silicon sealant rather than the "proper" sealant you can persuade the gasket to stick to the bottom of the engine instead of flopping loose all over the place.
Start off in the corners with the four end bolts
Fit the bolts but do not tighten until all of them are fitted
On some gaskets (or at least the one I bought) there is a hole missing this is right above the wing box and isn't obvious until you have spent five minutes trying to push a bolt through
Finally, do fit the bolts above the wing first as it will be a lot easier