Triumph Repair: 1971 Triumph Spitfire Oil Pan, well oiled machine, compression gauge

Question
QUESTION: Dear Howard,
    I would like to know how to take my oil pan out from under my car. I have all the bolts removed, the easy part, but when I tried pulling it, it got stuck on the tranny and the Chassis engine support. I know its not a Factory error because i have a new oil pan that looks the same. if you need anymore info then just answer with that info... =]

         Thanks again,
         Alex

ANSWER: Hi Alex,
You need to remove the front engine mounts and with an engine hoist lift the engine up enough to remove the pan.
Question, why are you removing the pan?
Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well since the car has been sitting around in washington for the last 14 years. And rotting slash rusting. My stepdad thinks that if there is anything in the oil pan, like parts or rust, and such. Then there is no reason to keep the engine i have in it right now. But i think that there isn't gonna be any parts in the oil pan because, it ran like a well oiled machine 14 years ago without even the slightest misplaced vibration. =] Which i think is a good sign that the engine is still in good shape. If the pistons are steel then they should still be fairly good. and tranny is in ok shape. thanks again.

         Alex

Answer
Hi Alex,
Many engines are still ok after setting for that long. There is a testing procedure to determine if the engine is still OK.
Very few tools are needed and the ones that are needed are not expensive.
First charge up or replace the battery. Remove all 4 spark plugs. Remove the small wires (white with a black tracer)on one side of the coil. use a compression gauge (not expensive)to test the compression of each cylinder. (contact  me if you are not familiar with the testing procedure.)
The compression test must be done with the throttle wide open. The compression should be above 135 PSI on all cylinders with not more than 10 to 15% differencee between cylinders. Then change the oil and filter in the engine and with the plugs still out and coil disabled, use the starter to spin the engine while you watch the oil pressure gauge on the dash. Spin the engine until you see oil pressure on the gauge. If you have to spin it very long hand feel the starter motor to be sure you don't overheat the starter motor. You should be able to get 25 to 35 PSI of oil pressure with the starter motor spinning the engine.
The compression test tells you if the valves are still OK and it checks partially the rings. (I will give you another test for the rings) The oil pressure test is a test of the oil pump and rod and main bearings.
A secondary test of the rings is to put about a teaspoon of oil in the spark plug hole and do a compression test. The results should not be much higher than the first test called  
a "Dry Test" and with oil it is called a "Wet Test".
I hope this helps, let me know.
( Also, pistons are aluminum )
Howard