I know that it's not so good to have a dented in oil pan, but I haven't actually seen what's under the oil pan so I don't know how bad it is to drive around with. No leaks at all though. So that is my question, I do have a replacement on the engine I just pulled so it's just the single digit tempratures keeping me from doing it.

Biggest concern is whether it's blocking the oil pick-up. If it is, it won't take long to seize the motor. AMHIK.

Neil

Engines w/ stamp steel oil pan can take some damage w/o big issues.

Bigger hits then Plugging oil pickup is not usual problem...
Big hits on the pan can cause pickup to break the seal on oil pump and pump will suck air.
You need a pan and pickup, maybe oil pump if pan damage hits the pump.

Some engines can break stuff that cost more money, like 88 Duke can break balancer/pump part when pan gets damage.

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quote Originally posted by theogre: Engines w/ stamp steel oil pan can take some damage w/o big issues.

Define "some".

quote Originally posted by sspeedstreet: Define "some".

A Pontiac dealer lifted my first 85GT by using a floor jack underneath the oil pan when they did the recalls. The pan was never replaced and the current owner has over 300K on the engine. It was pushed up a good inch in the center of the sump.

Where exactly is the dent?
If its on the side, there is no problem at all, so long as the seal with the block is not leaking.

Personally I would replace it if was on the bottom because there is very little clearance between the bottom of the pan, and the pickup, but like Fierofool mentioned, things could be just fine. Just me personally wouldn't risk it.

quote Originally posted by sspeedstreet: Biggest concern is whether it's blocking the oil pick-up. If it is, it won't take long to seize the motor. AMHIK. Neil

Yes, I know this and it's why I'm asking. It does look an awful lot like the car was jacked up from the oil pan. The dent is at least 3/4 in. and consumes most of the middle. I drove the car to work (about 15 min at 35-40 mph) and noticed nothing unusual.

quote Originally posted by theogre: Engines w/ stamp steel oil pan can take some damage w/o big issues. Bigger hits then Plugging oil pickup is not usual problem... Big hits on the pan can cause pickup to break the seal on oil pump and pump will suck air. You need a pan and pickup, maybe oil pump if pan damage hits the pump. Some engines can break stuff that cost more money, like 88 Duke can break balancer/pump part when pan gets damage.

Not unusual? or not usual? I had a 87 V6 Firebird that would suck air into the oil pump when you slammed on the brakes but you had a light that would come on just as you could start hearing the engine start to slap. Would the Fiero oil light come on if this were to happen? And sorry, I should have said engine is a V6 from an 86

quote Originally posted by fierofool: A Pontiac dealer lifted my first 85GT by using a floor jack underneath the oil pan when they did the recalls. The pan was never replaced and the current owner has over 300K on the engine. It was pushed up a good inch in the center of the sump.

I wonder if this is the average outcome or if that owner is lucky?

quote Originally posted by edfiero: Where exactly is the dent? If its on the side, there is no problem at all, so long as the seal with the block is not leaking. Personally I would replace it if was on the bottom because there is very little clearance between the bottom of the pan, and the pickup, but like Fierofool mentioned, things could be just fine. Just me personally wouldn't risk it.

The dent is in the middle about the size of a shop jack... Is the pick up pretty much in the middle of the lowest part of the pan? Could the dent in the pan also give a bad reading on the oil dipstick?

quote Originally posted by sspeedstreet: Define "some".

All depend how much and where hit.
I've seen sheet metal pans taking a big hit w/o issues, other hits cause big problem.

"Origi nally posted by nickwstp:"
"Not unusual? or not usual?"
Plugging the pickup is very hard to impossible from denting or even crushing the pan.
Breaking the tube or bending the flange bolts to oil pump is more easy.

"Yes, I know this and it's why I'm asking. It does look an awful lot like the car was jacked up from the oil pan. The dent is at least 3/4 in. and consumes most of the middle. I drove the car to work (about 15 min at 35-40 mph) and noticed nothing unusual."
"I wonder if this is the average outcome or if that owner is lucky?"
Most oil pickups don't reach the bottom of pan. That so heavy dirt etc can stay in the sump.
Most time you will know if Pump is sucking air because pickup tube is damage. Depending on pump, suck air all the time or only doing thing like hitting gas or brake.

Note that V6 used in Fiero and others... Low oil pressure is often cause by other issues like iffy crank/rod bearings.

"Could the dent in the pan also give a bad reading on the oil dipstick?"
Maybe or not. Depending how big the dent plus most Dipsticks aren't very accurate.
OE spec filter and oil amount, dipstick should be around middle to top of range when engine is cold.

If you dont hear any noises and the oil lite never blinks on, I wouldnt worry about it myself. Ive had lots of cars with dented pans.

If it warms up a bit perhaps you can add an inexpensive, aftermarket oil pressure gauge just to keep an eye on things ...