oregonrafter
Cadet
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2011
- Messages
- 27
I want to install an aluminum oil pan on my mercruiser 4.3 vortec (1997 model). This has been a little frustrating to research. From what I can tell, the mercruiser-specified aluminum oil pan is identical to the oil pan that is made for many trucks and SUV's, and appears to have the exact same bolt pattern on the end that faces the flywheel cover (bell housing). The problem I'm having, is that it appears that the bolt holes on the aluminum oil pan do not match-up to the bolt holes on the lower flywheel cover. Are these meant to bolt together? After scratching a hole in my head for the last couple days, I have the opinion that aren't meant to bolt together. If you have installed an aluminum oil pan on your 4.3, I would really like to hear from you. Is your aluminum pan bolted to your bellhousing?
The steel oil pan doesn't bolt to the bell housing, so does the aluminum one bolt to it, or is it just married to it without bolts? ...I see that it sort of acts as a flex plate for the lower part of the bell housing.
Thanks for your help! -Mike
The steel oil pan doesn't bolt to the bell housing, so does the aluminum one bolt to it, or is it just married to it without bolts? ...I see that it sort of acts as a flex plate for the lower part of the bell housing.
Thanks for your help! -Mike