oil leakage

[Tone]

You almost have to lift the motor out to get to the oil pan gasket. I may have an extra oil pan if your's is too warped to seal correctly.

[Tobert]

I have a cherry picker, so if it has to come out, so be it. I wonder if I should do anything else to it while it's out ...

What do you mean by "almost" lift it out? Can I pick up on the engine with the cherry picker to get the clearance I need?

I've never tried this, so what's the relative safety/danger of just releasing the motor mounts and lifting the engine gently? Obviously I have to watch the wires & stuff that may get stressed ... perhaps I should just pull it. Couldn't hurt to take a look at the bottom end while it's out.

Sounds like it may be worth attacking the low-hanging fruit first like the front seal and valve cover gaskets.

Thanks!
-Tobert

[Tone]

Probably loosing the motor mounts will allow you to jack it up enough to get the bolts out but won't be enough to get the pan off. Removal is never fun and lots of stuff to unbolt and unplug. Good luck and let us know what you find on the pan.