anyone done it with the engine installed in the car? 85 iroc. how hard is it?

 

I did it on my old car, but it definitely wasn't fun. It was on a 400 too, so maybe the shorter stroke of a 305 will make it a little easier. I did it by unbolting the motor mounts, and lifting the engine as far as it would go, with an engine hoist. Even with the engine up, it's still a really tight fit between the k-member. That, and wear some glasses. Otherwise, pieces of the old gasket, dirt, and other crap will keep falling in your eyes while you're under there.

 

I've done it both ways. If you get the one-piece gasket with the little clips that hold it and the pan up while you set the bolts it goes better but it's still a job. Should probably replace the rear main while you're there it's certainly leaking as well. Oh and the timing cover and balancer seal...but by the time you get to all that you've almost got the engine out...and cleaning the mating surfaces and making sure the new gaskets are set is sooo much easier on a stand.

Definitely need a lift to hold the engine up a few inches. Be sure to pull the dist before you lift it.

 

I didn't find it that difficult. Just removed the distributor cap, not the whole distributor.

 

Yeah and you were probably smart enough to have all the tools you needed set up underneath. Instead of crawling under with ONE wrench, discovering it's the wrong size, getting back out, grabbing another, crawling back under then realizing the next one you need is the one you just left on the table. Then repeating the process.

 

A 1 piece rubber one is next to impossible (I cracked mine putting it in). But a normal 4 piece one shouldn't be too bad.

 

It's hell on earth... expect pain suffering and all of the oil and sand to go in your eyes no matter wat

 

it wasn't so bad the first time i did it, jack the motor up after removing the mounts, after everything else is out of the way. wiggle it out of there. the second time i had to do it, i just so happened to have the transmission out. and after jacking the motor up it came out without any problem. the biggest problem i've had is getting it to get past the flexplate. if its a 2-piece seal, you should replace the rear main also while you are in there, i'd really hate to have to re-do all that cause the rear main went.

 

Yea when I did it i was a car noob and my dad was all like rabble rabble rabble you gotta change it is leaking and im like ok..

i didnt jack the motor up haha one piece rubber gasket with steel inserts FTW...

didnt leak but sucked... bad

 

Why'd you have trouble with the one piece?

I just got the 305 back in the pontiac last week after pulling it to replace all the seals. 'Course I cleaned and painted the k-member and the block before putting it back in.

 

I did it... Had a hell of a time too. PITA. One Piece seal and everything, I also jacked up the engine and still had troubles getting it past the flex plate.

 

i always see "PITA" in posts, what does it mean

 

pain in the ***