Thanks!!!!  That gadget may just work.  jim

Try this thru the fuel pump mounting hole or oil drain plug. Strain the oil when you drain it, the spring may float out with the oil. you can buy these locally at parts stores.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MASTER-MAG-FLEXIBLE-MAGNET-PICKUP-7229_W0QQitemZ220373755936QQihZ012QQcategoryZ26197QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

My P4 dropped its fuel pump return spring into the oil pan.  Will it settle to the bottom?  Have you any tricks for retrieving it?  Should I immediately  remove the oil pan?  Thanks, Jim 

I have to agree with pandanom, is your engine running well , good oil pressure , (the correct pressure is 30-45lbs at speeds above 30 mph.) good even compression etc , if so why remove it , if's nothings broke why fix it . how ever if you still wish to remove it , this is what the book say's, Chrysler,DeSoto, Dodge, Plymouth 1935-1949. to remove the pan, take off the clutch housing pan to prevent damagaging the oil pan gaskets on the housing , Remove the oil pan screws , drop it on the tie rod, lift up on the oil strainer to clear the baffle inside the pan and lower the  pan . CAUTION .   when installing the pan on all six cylinder engines , position the end gaskets so they protude 1/8 to 1/4'' above the oil pan. do not cut off these ends as they will compress into place when the pan is replaced

Quote from: Phred on March 23, 2009, 02:28:53 PM
I recently purchased a 37 P4 and will have several questions over time. Thank you in advance for your help and patience.

I want to remove the oil pan and valve cover to clean out as much sludge as possible. Can I do this with the engine in the car? Inaddition to a valve cover gasket and an oil pan gasket, will I need anything for the front or rear seals. Can or should the be replaced while the engine is in the car with only removeing the pan?

Any other ideas or tips would be appreciated.

I have not had a reason to remove the oil pan on my '37, P4 and would not just to go after sludge since it won't hurt a thing until it is overhaul time. The oil pan gasket consists of 4 separate gaskets, two for the sides, one for the front, and one for the rear. My manual says to leave the front and rear seals 1/8" too long instead of cutting them flush with the pan. The idea is they want them to crush into place and make a better seal. You should be able to remove the pan with the engine in the car but as I said before I have not had reason to do so. Your last question is unclear or missing a word after 'Can or should the ???" be replaced?

Congratulations on your car. Tell us more about it and how you came to get it. Pics would be great.
Good luck,
Jim

I recently purchased a 37 P4 and will have several questions over time. Thank you in advance for your help and patience.

I want to remove the oil pan and valve cover to clean out as much sludge as possible. Can I do this with the engine in the car? Inaddition to a valve cover gasket and an oil pan gasket, will I need anything for the front or rear seals. Can or should the be replaced while the engine is in the car with only removeing the pan?

Any other ideas or tips would be appreciated.