I had a successful oil pan and pump removal. Got my oil pump and pan off using the quick method described on the 700 FAQ. Used a jack to get the engine as high as I could with motor mounts loose. Had access to two bolts on oil pump and dropped it into the pan - viola! Turned pan to left and it came down.

Pan was full of sludge (grey yucky sludge) - no metal bits that I could see - no bright metallic copper pieces or tiny flakes! The oil pump screen looked sort of clogged to me. Have not taken off a rod bearing yet - all is exposed and ready to go. I have the standard rod bearings and am about ready to tackle them, along with the new oil pump. The nuts on the rod caps are sort of funky looking. I assume I can turn the engine by hand to move from one bearing cap to the next. And I can push up the piston to get to the bearing then pull it back on each one, just like out of the car??

I really think the pan sludge and messy screen was causing part of the low oil pressure problem, as per FAQ descriptions. This is a first for me, so if anyone else has any helpful hints! Lot harder doing this with the engine in the car. I bought a JC Whitney oil gauge to check pressure when I get it all back together - cross your fingers!

Bob Weber
Hamilton, Ohio (the economic depression state)
59 Volvos since 1979
VCOA member