oil pan needed for 1968 280SL

[Bob G ✝︎]

I plugged in to the old threads and was reading about the aluminum oil pan as a substitute for the early style oil pans.
what do I need to purchased . there was mention of a different oil pump the clears this new oil pan. I need new hardware as well the 5 mm hex screws and a new heavy duty gasket and new style drain plug?

I found some small dents in the old chrome pan after taking the skid guard off and figured I might as well do it right! I can also get a look at the crank shaft bearing and see if they are getting too out of specification.

Samsage sells the tool to use to remove the small hex nuts. should I purchase from the classic center or is their another source I can save couple of bucks from and get the same Mercedes-Benz parts?

How difficult is this job. Can one person do it in one day? or should I have a good Mercedes-Benz technician do the work?

Part number please Also will my same oil dip stick work?

Sincerely
Bob Geco

[Cees Klumper]

Hello Bob - let me answer what I think I can.

You may be able to remove the dents out of the old pan. As for getting a different style new one, I recommend you try 'the usual suspects' parts suppliers like the Classic Center or Dr Dan. Also for a new oil pump (with a different pick-up/intake rubber widget at the bottom) and gasket.

Removing the hex nuts to remove the pan I think can be done with just about any old hex wrench, maybe getting one with a handle and a longer stem would make the job easier, but I don't think you should have to get any Samstag or MB-special tool for this.

I read before that people can take a reading of the main bearings after removing the oil pan. But I can't figure out how this can be done, at least not without removing the lower endcaps, which takes some major force etc. So I suppose that's what would be involved there; and the bolts to be undone may be stretch bolts, that have a limited (tighten once-only?) lifespan. In short, you may not want to tamper with the bearings, unless you suspect some problems, unless I am making more of it than necessary now.

Good luck with the procedure!

[Bob G ✝︎]

Cess:

Thank you for the tips regarding my oil pan. I already havesome parts on order from Doctor Dan. I will ask his advise. I am not  quick sure if the old style oil pans are available or have been superseded to the new one. This car is turning out to be  a money pit each time I look closely at somethink.

I wonder in the long run if I should sell it  andspend the  money to look for a good unrestored or lightly restored example?

Sincerely
Bob Geco