oil pump gasket

[otterstricks]

Howdee fellas,

My 3.18i touring is just back from failing her mot (as expected). She has a serious oil leak and although it wasn't a fail for that reason I don't see any point in adressing the fails until the oil leak is remedied. The leak is due to a gasket breakout from between the the oil pump housing and the block, round about the where the oil filter housing bolts on.

It's going to be a tough job to replace this gasket as all the componentry at the front of the block need removed, timing, water pump.....etc.

I foresee a real problem being extracting the oil pump housing(OPH) from the block as it is on dowels and needs to be pulled straight forwards. The oil pump housing also sits on top of the upper sump gasket.

I am worried that when I remove the OPH from the block it will tear this sump gasket and give me another enormous problem.

Does anyone out there have experience with this job or any pearls of wisdom to send my way????

thanks guys

Murdo

[capnmchl]

M10 or M40 engine?

[TPS]

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... highlight=

If its a Touring it'll be a M40

[otterstricks]

many thanks guys

I like the sound of willnz suggestion with the blade, maybe a couple of taps with a rubber mallet and it might just move out without ripping the sump gasket with it.

cheers