Quote:
Originally Posted by DANTIP
Someone on the forum probably knows the details but I believe you can rotate the crank to a certain position that moves the counterweights to the best position for oil pan removal.
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Plus, then you have to take the front main cap off to get the pan out, you can actually do it quicker/easier removing the engine from the car, than trying to do it in chassis. The thing is to get the engine high enough to clear all the obstacles you already have most everything disconnected to pull the engine anyway.
Yes it's possible to do, no you don't want to live through this experience. As has been mentioned, it's much easier to reseal the pan on an engine stand, than trying to do it upside down in chassis, been there done it, and wouldn't do it again. Plus you have the luxury of taking a shower in motor oil while under the car, something to be avoided, unless you enjoy an experience like this.
If it was a SBC, Olds, or Buick, (I've actually done the 3 other makes in chassis) it's probably easier in chassis, but Pontiac used such a massive oil pan, and the bottom of the engine design is massive on what hangs below the centerline of the engine block compared to the other GM engines it's infinitely much more difficult.
Kent Moore actually made a tool to lift the Pontiac engine in chassis for removal of the oil pan, but I've seen that tool used in a dealership I worked at, and it's not any easier than lifting the engine and blocking it up. It surely didn't make the job any easier by using the specialized tool.
Unless you're a masochist that loves pain, and difficulty, just pull the engine.