1989 Mustang GT, Lifters Fell Into Oil Pan

steady52 · 08-19-2009

I am in the process of doing my first major engine upgrade on my 1989 GT convertible. While removing the stock camshaft, several of the lifters fell into the oil pan. I admit I got a little bit too impatient or excited about the fact that pulling the cam was the last step in my process before I began adding the new parts. I know the easiest way to get the oil pan off is to just pull the engine. I have never done it before, and I am working by myself.

I had already taken off the heads and intake. Do I need to bolt the heads back on, in order to use the engine hoist, or can I bolt the
I engine hoist directly to the block?

I have removed the 6 bolts connecting the engine to the AOD, what else (besides the motor mounts) that needs to be removed before I can lift the engine.

Please assist.

need4spd90 · 08-19-2009

is there any way you can get them with a long extendable magnet? you should have some access to the inside of the oil pan since you had to take the timing cover off to pull the cam out...try that before you pull the motor out

steady52 · 08-19-2009

I will give that another shot, I tried and was not able to grab anything. If I am able to get the lifters out, would I then install the new camshaft (E303) and then put the lifters back in?

uedlose · 08-19-2009

you could use the head bolt holes to hook a chain. just don't jerk it around. you will also need to take the torque converter bolts out also. neg battery cable.unplug low oil light sensor. make sure you also get the TV cable for the AOD pulled back out of the way it is bolted to the back of the engine with the bell bolts

nigel · 08-19-2009

Make sure that you check the cam bearings for scaring and scratchs first. Plus trying to use a magnetic tool to get around the crank and rods in going to be hard, not to mention fustrating. Easier to just drop the pan.

need4spd90 · 08-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by steady52

I will give that another shot, I tried and was not able to grab anything. If I am able to get the lifters out, would I then install the new camshaft (E303) and then put the lifters back in?

well,if you install the lifters before the cam,you're gonna have to dig them out of the oil pan again lol

steady52 · 08-19-2009

Thats what I thought thanks. LOL Like I said this is my first engine build alone, I used to help my uncle work on his race care, but never my own. Thanks for the help. I will repost again tonight after I get off work.

**RLG34750** · 08-19-2009

What happen is just part of the fun of building engines.....

stranger things have happen to the best of us.....

continued good luck on your build......

**EagleAutosports** · 08-19-2009

Surprised you could get the cam out with the lifters falling down and catching the cam lobes.

After you get the lifters out, however you do it, INSPECT the cam lobes for any scratches or scoring because those lifters could've easily damaged them.