Rustymopar

Hi,
I recently purchased a 70 Superbee. The motor has been rebuilt but not fired up yet. in going through the car, I noticed the center link is rubbing against the oil pan. The block has a casting number of 24681308 which is a B 383 motor with a casting date of 11-23-68. The oil pan looks to be a stock replacement with a goldish finish. The steering is extremely hard to turn.
I read it could be the motor mounts but I crawled beneath and inspected the motor mounts and although they appear cracked in various locations an smashed a little, they are not "sheared".
Are the motor mounts shot?
or
Is it the wrong oild pan?

Please help. Im dying to drive it.

MercuryDon

Does it rub just when the car is in the air or also when its on the ground ? Nice Bee by the way. I love Plum Crazy !

Archer

Rusty -

Based on your description, the motor mounts may be letting the engine sit too low, but if you have a "replacement" pan, it may not be the correct one for that body. So yes, it could be either or both.

Since the motor mounts "look" bad, I'd change those first and see if that helps. If it does, great! If not, then you'll have to look for a new pan or modify the one you have.

I know, not much help...

Archer

Rustymopar

It is in the air on Jack stands, however I want to say it was rubbing before the jack stands. I ordered motor mounts yesterday, so I will try that first before dropping the center link and replacing the oil pan. The oil pan looks correct though.

BuckNeccid

You might try just driving a wooden wedge between the oil pan and center link before you change out your oil pan. I had one that did that once, and it only took a little clearance to make it ok. Cut a 2x4 at an angle, and use a big hammer to drive it between the two. if you cut it so that you are using the 2 inch side and round the edges that go against the pan, it will make a gentle indentation in the pan, give you enough clearance, and not interfere with your oil pick up. Make sure you drive it in from both sides, and it shouldn't even be noticeable unless you really look for it.

MercuryDon

Put some paint on the pan and drive it. If it rubs while on the road you will see the marks.

Rustymopar

I'm happy to report that it just clears when off the jack stands and there wasn't any power steering fluid in the pump reservoir.