How to Fix a Rusty Oil Pan
by Anne Mullenniex
The cause of most oil pan leakage is rust from minor damage to the metal and subsequent oxidation. Although the ideal solution is replacement of the pan, this is not always necessary. If the damage to the pan is not too extensive, the most affordable and easiest solution is simply repair.
Step 1
Loosen the the oil pan drain plug bolt by using pliers or a socket wrench. Remove the plug and drain the oil pan, collecting the oil in a container for hazardous waste disposal.
Step 2
Clean the exterior surface of the pan as thoroughly as possible, identifying all the areas of rust.
Step 3
Sand all rusted areas with metal-grade sandpaper -- not just the metal around the hole -- removing the rust and making the metal rough. It is wise to treat all of the severely rusted areas as weakened metal that should be strengthened with steel epoxy.
Step 4
Mix a two-part epoxy according to instructions and apply it to the metal surface. If the leakage is caused by a hole located in a groove, you will need two coats. Fill the groove with the first coat of epoxy, let dry and apply a second coat over the hole and the entire sanded surface. Once the epoxy is dry, your oil pan repair is complete.
References
Tips
- Replace the gasket if you remove the oil pan to repair it.
Things You'll Need
- Pliers or socket wrench
- Cleaning solution
- Metal grade sandpaper
- Two-part epoxy
- Brush
Writer Bio
Anne Mullenniex has been writing for eHow since 2009. She has owned and operated computer, construction, and insurance businesses. She has a bachelor's and a master's degree in biology and has taught at a community college. She is now working as an artist/artisan in multiple media.
