I have a 85 300SD that I managed to over torque and strip out one of the lower oil pan bolt holes (new torque wrench and I misread the settings >P ) I'm planning on using a Heli-Coil to fix that but the dealership recommended dropping the upper oil pan to make sure I drill the thing straight. One, is there an easier way to fix the stripped bolt holes? Two, is it possible to remove the Upper Oil pan without removing the engine? It looks like I will need to pull the radiator to then pull the balancer and once the upper pan is removed both the front and rear oil seals will need to be replaced as well. Basically I'm asking does removing the upper pan mean I'm getting into messing with the timing chain, cam shaft or anything ugly like that does it?

 

I was afraid that was the case. I think I'll tap it and move on with life. This engine is going to be pulled for an overhaul later this year, I just don't want to do it this week. But I do need to stop the Exxon Valdez from despoiling more of the Texas freeways (and my garage).

Thanks.