Chevrolet Repair: oil pan removal, engine oil pan, jb weld

Question
I have a 88 chevy 2500 v8 and i have a hole in the engine oil pan and need to replace it.  I have unbolted the pan however the cross-over pipe of the exhaust is in the way.  do I have to remove the exhaust or do I have to raise the enigne?  Don't know if you can help but thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Chris,
It is possible you may have to do both.
Once the pan is loose, it must have enough room to be lowered enough to clear the oil pump pickup tube and screen.

Depending on what kind of fix you want, I have had good luck on some of my work fleet with on the engine repairs.

I have welded patches with a torch, and I have used a chemical patch, which was actually designed for hazzardous material spill purposes, but plugged an oil pan just fine. It is like gas tank mender, a two part epoxy that you nead till it is all mixed, then force it into the hole, and smooth it out. Cleaning the hole is recommended, but it will work with liquid in the pan.

I think JB weld would also do a good job.

Just drain the oil, use some brake parts cleaner, etc. to clean it, blow it dry.

But that is all up to you.
But you can do it at home, so just get after it.
Good luck,
Van