How to Change an Oil Pan

A majority of oil leaks on a car start at the oil pan. The oil pan sits at the bottom of the engine and a gasket prevents the oil from leaking out. That gasket can crack over time and cause leaks. The oil pan also is succeptible to hitting curbs and other obstructions on the road, which can cause a leak. It is very common to find a leaky oil pan. The biggest chore in replacing an oil pan is making sure the gasket stays in place as you install the pan.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Socket Wrench Set with Ratchet
• Cresent Wrench
• Oil Pan (new or good used), if your oil pan is damaged
• Oil Pan Gasket (new)
• Enough motor oil to fill your engine

Draining the Oil Pan

1. Drain the oil from the pan. The drain bolt is located at the bottom corner of the pan. You can remove this plug with a crescent wrench. Be sure to catch the used oil in a pan large enough to hold your car's oil capacity (oil-catching pans can be purchased at any auto parts store).

2. Remove the bolts that attach the oil pan to the engine with a ratchet wrench and socket.The size of the socket may vary depending on the make of the vehicle, and may use either standard or metric bolt sizes. There will be eight to twelve bolts depending on the car.

3. Lower the pan to the ground. The old gasket will tear as you detach the pan from the engine.

4. Inspect the oil pan for dents, cracks, or chips that may cause leaks. If the pan is undamaged, it can be re-installed with a new gasket.

5. Scrape the top of the pan clean. You can use a puddy knife to remove the old gasket material. Scrape the bottom portion of the engine as well. Use a solvent to clean the top of the oil pan and the bottom of the engine. You will need a smooth, clean surface to reattach the new gasket and oil pan.

6. Carefully place the new gasket on the oil pan to be installed. You can use a liquid gasket material to ensure the gasket sticks to the pan. Make sure the gasket is placed properly so you do not cover any of the bolt holes.

7. Place the new oil pan in position. The new pan should line up the same as the old one.

8. Tighten all the bolts from the oil pan to the motor. The bolts should be snug in position. Some car manufacturers recommend using a thread sealing compound on oil-pan bolts.

9. Pour the required amount of oil back into the system. Usually this will require four to five quarts. The owner's manual for your car will tell you how much oil, and what type, to put in the engine.

10. Place a piece of cardboard under the oil pan of the car. Start the engine and wait a few minutes to ensure there are no leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the drain plug is tight upon installation. Salvage yards may have good, used oil pans that you can buy for less than a new oil pan.
• Be sure to drain your oil in an approved container. You can check with your local parts house as to where to dispose of the used oil.

Resources

• Autozone Official Site
• Pep Boys Official Site

Who Can Help Sponsored