How to Repair Engine Oil Pan Leaks

If the oil pan is leaking, that usually means the gasket needs to be replaced. Don't be scared; this isn't a hard job. Anyone can do it with the right tools, it generally only takes about an hour.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch open end wrench
• 5/8 inch wrench
• Or ratchet and sockets of the above sizes with a short extension
• oil pan gasket
• oil filter
• oil filter wrench
• putty knife
• rags
• gasket sealer
• recommended amount and grade of oil
• oil drain pan
• large piece of cardboard
• jack and car ramps or jackstands
• wheel chock

1. Drive the car up onto the ramps or jack it up and place the jack stands under the front spring plates or on the frame, one on each side. Make sure they are firmly in place.

2. Let the jack down so that the car rests firmly on the jack stands. Place the wheel chock behind the rear wheel, pushing it into place firmly. You can leave the jack in place for extra support.

3. Slide your cardboard up under the car so you will have a clean place to lay. Find the drain plug. Place the oil drain pan under the plug and remove the plug completely, letting the oil drain into the pan.

4. Remove your oil filter and place it in your drain pan. Remove all the bolts from your oil pan. There are generally 16 to 20 bolts. Remove the oil pan. Take the old gasket off. Wipe the surface of the pan with a rag and also wipe the bottom of the engine where the gasket attaches, making sure both surfaces are clean and dry. If there any pieces of gasket left on the oil pan, you can scrape them off with a putty knife.

5. Put a small bead of gasket sealer all the way around the oil pan where the gasket goes and do the same on top of the gasket after you have put it on the pan.

6. Put the pan back into place and start one bolt in each corner. Then you can put the rest of the bolts in. Tighten them down, alternating sides. You just want to get the bolts a little more than hand tight. Tightening too much will smash the gasket and cause a leak. Put the plug back in your oil pan and put your new filter on.

7. Remove your oil cap on top of the engine and pour in the recommended amount of oil, checking it after a few quarts to make sure you don't overfill.

Tips & Warnings

• You can usually dispose of your oil at your local gas station. Don't pour it down a drain or on the ground. Oil is not good for our environment, so please dispose of it properly.
• It is always good to have another person around when you are under a vehicle.

Resources

• Advance Auto

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[alienangel555]

on 3/5/2009 great step by step instructions. 5

[goodselfme]

on 2/6/2009 thank you for a great detailed write to change the oil pan leaks.

[healthymomof5]

on 2/5/2009 Great info! Very detailed article! 5*