How to Fix an Oil Pan

There are two approaches to fixing an oil pan. The longest and most difficult method is to replace the oil pan with a new one. This is very time consuming and difficult with modern cars and would test the skills of a professional mechanic in a very well-equipped shop. In most cases the engine would need to be removed from the car before the oil pan could be changed. The second method is to repair the leaking oil pan with epoxy. This fix will not require special tools or training and will likely last for several years.

Things You'll Need

• Drain pan
• Wrench to remove oil pan drain plug
• Wire brush
• Sandpaper
• Degreaser

Instructions

1. Place a drain pan under the vehicle and remove the oil pan drain plug, allowing the engine oil to drain into the pan.

2. Inspect the oil pan drain plug gasket and replace if needed. Replace the oil pan drain plug and tighten properly.

3. 

   Spray the oil pan with a degreaser, such as Brake Parts Cleaner, to remove residual oil.

4. 

   Scrub the area to be repaired with a wire brush to remove any loose rust and dirt.

5. Remove as much rust as possible by sanding the area to be repaired with coarse sandpaper. Follow this step with another spraying of degreaser and allow to dry completely.

6. 

   Mix a quantity of epoxy sufficient to cover the entire area to be repaired. Spread the epoxy over the leaking area to a depth of 1/8 inch.

7. Wait 24 hours for the epoxy to cure and refill the engine with oil.