How to Replace a Ford Ranger Oil Pan Gasket

by Jeffrey Caldwell
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The oil pan on a Ford Ranger pickup is mounted on the bottom of the engine block; it collects motor oil after the oil circulates through the engine. If you regularly notice a black puddle underneath your engine, it is a good sign that you have an oil pan leak. Engine oil leaks are not only environmentally hazardous--low oil levels can cause serous engine damage.

Draining the Oil Pan

Step 1

Disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal, by loosening the retaining bolt with a wrench. Pull the clamp off the terminal.

Step 2

Pull the oil dipstick from the dipstick tube with your hand.

Step 3

Place a waste oil collection pan underneath the connection between the transmission oil cooler lines and the radiator. Unscrew the transmission oil cooler line fittings from the radiator, using a line wrench.

Step 4

Raise the vehicle safely using an automotive jack. Support it with jack stands placed underneath the frame.

Step 5

Place a waste oil collection pan underneath the drain bolt on the bottom of the oil pan. Unscrew the drain bolt using a socket, and allow the oil to drain from the engine.

Removing the Oil Pan

Step 1

Label and disconnect the wires connected to the starter solenoid, using masking tape and a marker.

Step 2

Unscrew the bolts that secure the starter motor to the engine block, using a socket. Remove the starter motor from the vehicle.

Step 3

Unscrew the nuts and bolts that secure the head pipe to the exhaust manifold, using a socket and wrench. Slide the head pipe out of the way.

Step 4

Unscrew the bolts that secure the transmission oil cooler lines to the engine block, using a socket. Slide the lines out of the way.

Step 5

Unscrew the bolts that secure the oil pan to the engine block. Lower the oil pan away from the engine block and remove it from the vehicle.

Step 6

Clean the oil pan, using an automotive solvent and allow to air dry. Be sure to remove all the old gasket material from the gasket mating surface.

Step 7

Clean the gasket mating surface on the bottom of the engine block, using a flat razor blade. Be sure to remove all the old gasket material.

Installing the Oil Pan

Step 1

Place a light dab of RTV silicone sealant every two to three inches along the gasket mating surface on the oil pan.

Step 2

Lay the replacement gasket into position on the oil pan.

Step 3

Raise the oil pan into position underneath the engine block, using your hand.

Step 4

Screw in the bolts that secure the oil pan to the engine block, using a socket.

Step 5

Screw in the bolts that secure the transmission oil cooler lines to the engine block, using a socket.

Step 6

Slide the head pipe into position at the rear of the exhaust manifold. Screw in the bolts that secure the head pipe to the exhaust manifold using a socket.

Installing the Starter Motor

Step 1

Raise the starter motor into position against the engine block. Screw in the bolts that secure it, using a socket.

Step 2

Reconnect the wiring harness to the starter motor, using the labels you made during disassembly.

Step 3

Screw the oil pan drain bolt into the bottom of the oil pan, using a socket.

Step 4

Screw the transmission oil cooler line fittings into the radiator, using a line wrench.

Step 5

Slide the oil dipstick into the dipstick tube, using your hand.

Testing and Inspecting for Leaks

Step 1

Lower the vehicle.

Step 2

Reconnect the ground cable to the negative battery terminal. Slide the clamp over the terminal and tighten the retaining bolt, using a wrench.

Step 3

Fill the engine with oil according to the specifications listed in the Ranger's owner’s manual.

Step 4

Run the engine and and check the transmission oil level, using the procedure outlined in the owner’s manual.

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