Fuel pump blanking plate gasket replacement

[Charles Farran]

I am in the process of removing the exhaust & manifold to attach a new SS exhaust & will use the opportunity to
replace the fuel pump blanking plate gasket (which i think is weeping slightly) whilst i have better access (& also check the state of the rear tappet chest plate & screw cup gaskets).
Am i right in assuming that the height of the fuel pump blanking plate is above the level of engine oil (with the car level as well) to save me draining the oil before i remove the plate?
Cheers, Charles

[Bumpa]

I am sure that when the engine is not running all the oil is in the sump pan. It doesn't come up to the level of the sump gasket. If it was as high as the sump gasket, the crankshaft journals would be permanently dipping into it which would play havoc with the engine.

[Charles Farran]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for letting me know & for the additional reasoning behind your answer!
Cheers,Charles