Duster 340 oil pan

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70Duster340

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Folks,

I removed the engine from my 70 Duster (it's a 340), which I plan on rebuilding. I purchased a new Milodon oil pan, which is supposed to be a stock replacement pan. Upon removing the engine and putting it on the stand, I observed that the driver's side of the oil pan has a "dimple" in it, behind the sump. The Milodon pan doesn't have this "dimple". From what I can tell the pan came that way from the factory. Does the "dimple" have some sort of function, like clearance for steering components? I need to know so I can return the Milodon pan for exchange for the correct pan.

Attached is a picture. Thanks in advance for any help here.

oil pan 2.jpg
 
I don't remember the stock pan on my old 340 Swinger having that 'dimple'. That looks like it was hit by something - and not at the factory.
My current '69 Dart has a similar 'dimple' on the bottom of the gas tank and I can't figure out what caused it. My gas tank almost looks like the car had to have been dropped on something because the dent couldn't possibly be caused by something that hit it from the side. Oh well, it'll be gone when the new tank goes in.
 
You will be all right with the milodon replacement pan.
Now those milodon 8qt deep sumps are lil diff they have a sump that kicks out and hits the k member at the pass left front, so you have to clearance the k or pan by cutting, hammering or what ever you choose in order for it to fit.
 
I went with the Kevko 6 quart oil pan because of all the positive reviews I read on here on how well it fits.
 
70Duster340 said:
Folks,

I removed the engine from my 70 Duster (it's a 340), which I plan on rebuilding. I purchased a new Milodon oil pan, which is supposed to be a stock replacement pan. Upon removing the engine and putting it on the stand, I observed that the driver's side of the oil pan has a "dimple" in it, behind the sump. The Milodon pan doesn't have this "dimple". From what I can tell the pan came that way from the factory. Does the "dimple" have some sort of function, like clearance for steering components? I need to know so I can return the Milodon pan for exchange for the correct pan.

Attached is a picture. Thanks in advance for any help here.
Click to expand...

If you look at the picture of the small block oil pan in the MP catalog,you'll notice that it comes with a "dimple " and so do the oil pans in my two 340 small block cars But as you say ,it' s probably for steering components clearance.
 
fst340rt said:
If you look at the picture of the small block oil pan in the MP catalog,you'll notice that it comes with a "dimple " and so do the oil pans in my two 340 small block cars But as you say ,it' s probably for steering components clearance.
Click to expand...
I thought so too, fst340rt. I will take a closer look at the pitman arm and center link, but I surely don't want to reinstall the engine just to find out that I have to remove the engine again to replace the oil pan. I just want to be sure it's going to fit before I reinstall the engine. Don't want to have to do it more than once!
 
Thanks fst340rt. The part number helps, but I wish there was a pic of the pan I have. Seems some believe the dimples were put there by somebody besides the factory. The unique way this pan is shaped had to have come from the factory. I guess if I can't find an aftermarket pan or a Mopar Performance pan, I will have to reuse this one.
 
I have two factory pans for a '69 340 and they both have those dimples in them. But my new Kevko does not yet people who have used the Kevko say they fit without problems.
 
The pan wasn't specifically designed to fit your car. The pans probably were designed to fit a variety of cars, including early, smaller A Bodies.
 
The pan looks like it was designed to give clearance for the pitman and idler arms. from shopping the internet, I have not been avle to locate a new pan the looks anything like the one I have. I want to be sure that the engine will fit back in the car when I am ready, so I want to make sure that the oil pan has the same configuration as this one does. If there are no pans out there like this one, I guess I will just have to clean it up and paint it.
 
70duster340 I think your worrying a lil too much I've used 2 mopar replacment pans and they do not have a dimple [at least like your old 1] and they fit fine.
I do understand not wanting to put a motor in twice but I really think it will be a-ok. My 8qt milodon that I run right now has no dimple and there is no steering linkage problems. Even if it hit a lil you could dimple it while in the car bolted up, but I really do believe it will be fine.
I say if it makes you feel better call ron mancini and ask about it.

And mopar makes replacements as well which also fit perfect, I know cause thats what I had before the 8qt.
 
I just jacked up my car and turned the wheels lock to lock. The center link doesn't even line up with those dimples. So not having them won't make a difference.
 
Thanks for all the replies everyone. You have made me feel much more at ease. I can now concentrate on other issues!
 
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