I want to take my oilpan off without having to remove the engine. (The oil return line from the turbo is starting to 'sweat' so I'd better weld a nut on the inside) So I was thinking about simply removing the front subframe and taking the oilpan out from underneath. I already had the subframe out on 2 cars, so I know that it's very easy to do. The only problem I have is that I don't have and engine hoist and I obviously can't put it a jack under the sump. So I was thinking of putting it under the gearbox, just where it touches the engine. Would this be doable or would the engine hanging on the gearbox without support cause too much stress on it? Or am I looking too far and can I take the oil pan out in a more easy way? (11/99)
No replies (11/99)
NEVER, NEVER go under a '5 unless it's properly supported on axle stands. A jack alone is NOT sufficient. (11/99)
I have been shown a good point for jacking up the front of the car with a trolley jack/axle stands but would like to know where at the back. Apologies for non technical speak below, please feel free to correct my terminology - eager to learn. I used the front mount where the rear wheel suspension are connects to the body when I needed to drill the rear bumper. (4/00)

Correct place is under the diff in the centre - I use a 6"x4"x2" wooden block to protect and space the trolley jack .. and then put the axle stands under the jack points on the sills.

The 'chassis rails' can be used WITH CARE ONLY ... these box / top hat bits collapsed when used randomly .. but look carefully and you will see the start and end sections are double skinned - these will support the whole car .. the bit in the middle collapses .. don't ask why I know .. but I don't have that car any longer .. doesn't stop cat's eyes doing the same thing on a lowered car :-( (4/00)
I jack the diff. at the back. Where do you jack at the front? I've never found anywhere I'm 100% happy with. (4/00)
Does anyone know where I should place a trolley jack to raise a Mk2 to facilitate the use of jack stands? (4/00)
AFAIK, same as on the M1:
Front: crossmember behind the oil pan
Rear: differential (4/00)
Eh? I thought it was the U shaped crossmember INFRONT of the sump (oil pan), and behind the gravel tray? Also where do the front axle stands go? (4/00)
Axle stands go under the sills at the reinforced points for the car jack ..with a bit of wood to protect the paintwork :-) (4/00)
Viewed from the back of the car, of course ;-) Seriously, I guess I was wrong (trying to imagine lying under the car ...) (4/00)

Axle stands go under the sills at the reinforced points for the car jack I'm happier with the front ones under the lower wishbone mounting points.

Very strong there and the U-section on my stands perfectly matches. I don't like jacking the crossmember in front of the oil pan. The jack never seems 100% safe there. BTW At the back I jack the diff. and put the axle stands under the rear tiedown brackets. (4/00)

After asking if anyone knew of a good low trolley jack to get under the sills of my lowered MX-5, some kind soul pointed me at www.machinemart.co.uk. There I found a Clarke CTJ2LR that goes down to 11cm, lifts 2 tonnes, and costs 35 including delivery. (7/01)