Dropping the Oil Pan

I finally got all the "stuff" taken off and out of the way to drop the oil pan. I took off all the oil pan screws and thought it would come off easily. But it is really stuck on there pretty good.

What is the best way to get it off without harming it?

Thanks!

Hmm, I thought Ford was using steel impregnated oil pan gaskets, that I KNOW come off easily.... I wonder if it has been off before, and someone siliconed it on. I hope not, that can be a real mess.

A putty knife and a hammer would work.

Yes, it was taken off by a "so called mechanic" to unclog the oil pickup screen which got clogged, he said. It wasn't pumping oil. That $500 job lasted only 2 months and it isn't pumping any oil again. So I was gonna take a look at the pickup screen. And yes, he did silicone it.

When I get it off and check the screen, I guess I should buy a new pan gasket and should I silicone it back? If silicone, what kind of silicone? (Is there an automotive type or use the regular silicone?)

Thanks!!!

If it is the same style of gasket as the transmission then it is a good and re-usable gasket. I don't think you need to use silcone. Ensure that the mating surfaces are clean and that the pan is not warped. Pay attention to the torque values and of course sequence the bolts from centre out in a criss croos pattern

Hmmm.. I was under the impression you should stay away from silicone gasket liquid for engine oil (and tranny) sumps. Pieces of gasket *can* break free from what oozes in from the inside & wind up on your oil pump p/up screen. You'd be at square one again! Where ever possible, I try to stick with OEM gaskets.
G/luck
Joel