Sump Removal

[simonriley11]

Is it possible to remove the sump without removing the engine, it looks like the welded channel section brace which is across the chassis and below the sump might get in the way. My car is a standard S3 with a Lotus galvanised chassis. Thanks.

[types26/36]

I think it will depend if you have the 4 bolt crank or the 6 bolt crank as the bellhousing dust covers are different and would create a problem with the 4 bolt set up.
As I remember I have had one off on the six bolt engine with engine in place but I think I loosened the engine mounts to raise it a little and even then its still a wrangle.
These days I just find it easier to just to remove the engine and converting to a removable chassis brace makes the removal and refitting the engine easier.

[alan.barker]

i prefer to remove engine so when you replace the sump you can seal it correctly.
imho i have never seen the advantage just to remove the sump
alan

[simonriley11]

Thanks for the help so far. I would normally remove the engine too but I'm short of time and need to keep the car on the road and I want to investigate what sounds like possible mild big end knock before committing to a full engine out job. If it makes a difference it is a 4 bolt crankshaft.

[rgh0]

As I understand it you cant get the rear of the 4 bolt sump past the rear main bearing cap with the engine still attached to the bell housing.

Lots of people put in removable cross braces so its easier to do on the later engines with the 6 bolt crank where you don't have the problem at the rear clearing the main bearing cap with the engine still attached.

cheers
Rohan