Technical Can you remove a 2.4 sump pan without detaching the gearbox?

[stinkypaul]

I was wondering, because I've seen a Schumacher for sale but it has a faint rattle, possibly a knock at start when cold and again when hot (sound coming from the sump). I'd be happier knowing that I could replace the crank bearing shells easily with the engine in-situ. I'm not sure it's worth the hassle anyway as it's not a bargain price, but if I have to remove the gearbox to get the sump off, I'll probably leave it.

Has anyone removed the sump pan in-situ?

Cheers