Before I begin the installation of the oil pan on my 89 car, I would like to confirm the location of the shorter bolts. I've searched, and read that 3 go nearest the air compressor, and 2 nearest the engine cross member. Having tested all of the locations for possible problems, I can see where two bolts on either side of the crank, could be trouble in that they could hit the timing belt idler. Otherwise I do not see any definitive location for these shorter ones.

I don't know if anyone here has witnessed it, but this is a very quick and easy way to ruin an engine block.

What I see is that all of these bolts are very close to their bottom out condition when installed. I want to get this right.


Thanks.

 

cross member and starter motor locations.

 

Thanks.



Do you mean 4 bolts at the cross member bosses, 1 bolt at the starter motor location? I don't see any obvious reason for shorter bolts anywhere near the starter. I'm not convinced yet.

 

Look carefully at your oil pan: Five of the bolts fit into shallow recesses on the outside (bottom-side) of the oil pan, to reduce the height-- those get the shorter bolts. This is to avoid interference with the crossmember (two bolts on each side), and the starter (one bolt), where the clearance is quite tight.

 

Bingo......

 

Doh! It was obvious.

So we have a consensus, and I thank you all verrra much.

 

The same is true of the water pump short screws.

 

Thanks. I'm still coming back from a long long small vehicle sabbatical. If it doesn't require a 600 ft-lb impact wrench it feels uncomfortable to me now.

By the way, by using Loc-tite, and a ratcheting box end, it takes only minutes to get the bolts on, compared to hours when the bolts don't have enough friction to turn the ratchet.

I'm pretty happy right now. Twin turbos are dancing around in my subconscious somewhere. It all depends on circumstances. Anyone want a ranch for 4.5 million? Come on! It's listed. Ocean view. I need money for turbos. OK, I'm off to wrench.