Oil Pan Jacking: A Costly Mistake To Avoid

Jacking up your car using the oil pan is not recommended. However, if you're simply lifting the engine to relieve the weight off the engine mounts, it's generally safe to do so as long as you take the necessary precautions. One of the most important precautions is to use a block of wood, hockey puck, or a similar object between the jack and the oil pan to distribute the weight and prevent damage to the pan. It's also crucial to only lift the engine slightly and not the entire car. Additionally, make sure there are no tight cables or components that could snap under tension when you lift the engine.

Use a jack to lift the engine, not the car

When working underneath a car, it's important to remember that jacking up the entire vehicle by the oil pan is not recommended. This can cause the oil pan to be crushed or dented, and potentially damage the oil return or pickup. Instead, the focus should be on lifting the engine itself, rather than the whole car.

To lift the engine safely, it is crucial to distribute the weight and avoid concentrating pressure on a small area. This can be achieved by placing a block of wood, a hockey puck, or a thick piece of cardboard between the jack and the oil pan. The wood should be wide enough to span the entire width of the pan, ensuring that the weight is borne by the vertical sides of the pan and not just the middle.

Additionally, it is important to loosen the necessary bolts, such as the motor mount bolts and transmission bolts, to allow for easier lifting of the engine. It is also recommended to remove the fan shroud, radiator hoses, and any other components that may interfere with the process.

By following these steps, you can safely lift the engine without causing damage to the oil pan or other critical components. Remember to work with a helper and use jack stands for added safety.

Place a block of wood between the jack and the oil pan

When jacking up a car, it is important to place a block of wood between the jack and the oil pan. This is because the jack can punch straight through or damage the pan during the process. By placing a block of wood in between, the weight is spread, increasing the contact patch and reducing the pressure on a given area. This makes the process much safer.

The block of wood should be long enough to span the entire width of the pan so that the weight will bear on the vertical sides of the pan and not dent up the middle. It should also be thick enough, at least 1" thick, and around 6"x8" in length. The wood will compress a bit when lowering the car down onto it, and the jack stand will dig into the wood. This is normal, and as long as the wood is settled before getting under the car, it is safe to proceed.

It is also important to note that the grain of the wood should be aligned perpendicularly to any small pressure points. This will prevent the wood from splitting.

Jack the engine up slowly

Jacking up the engine using the oil pan is possible, but it must be done slowly and with caution. It is important to remember that you are not trying to lift the engine too high—just enough to get the mount out.

To start, make sure to use a piece of plywood, a 2x4, or a similarly sized block of wood to spread the load and protect the oil pan. Place the wood between the jack and the oil pan, ensuring that it is long enough to span the entire width of the pan so that the weight will be borne on the vertical sides rather than the middle. You can also use carpet scraps, cardboard, or rags to further spread the weight and protect the pan.

Additionally, before attempting to jack up the engine, it is recommended to loosen the motor mount bolts and, in some cases, the transmission bolts as well. This will make it easier to lift the engine and reduce the risk of damage. It is also a good idea to disconnect the air intake hose and loosen the front transmission-to-mount bolts to minimize the weight and stress on the pan.

When you are ready to jack up the engine, do it very slowly and gently. Be careful not to apply too much force, as the oil pan can dent or crack, and the oil return inside can be damaged. Keep in mind that you only need to lift the engine a small amount, just enough to take the weight off the motor mounts and allow for their removal.

It is also important to note that jacking up the entire car by the oil pan is not recommended and can likely result in a crushed oil pan. This guide is specifically for lifting the engine, not the entire vehicle.

Use a board to distribute the weight across the oil pan

When jacking up a car, it is important to remember that the car itself should not be lifted by the oil pan, as it will likely be crushed. However, when it comes to lifting the engine, it is possible to do so using the oil pan, but with some important precautions.

One crucial step is to use a board to distribute the weight across the oil pan. This ensures that all the pressure is not concentrated on a small area, such as the size of the jack saddle or bearing pad of a floor jack. By spreading the load, you can help prevent damage to the oil pan, such as dents or cracks.

The board used should be wide enough to span the entire width of the oil pan. This will ensure that the weight is borne by the vertical sides of the pan, rather than the middle, reducing the risk of denting. The board should also be thick enough to provide adequate support and distribute the weight effectively. A piece of wood, such as a 2x4 or a block of wood, is often recommended for this purpose. Some people also suggest using a hockey puck or a few carpet scraps to help distribute the weight.

When placing the board, it is important to position it correctly. Some people recommend placing it at the edge or corner of the oil pan, where the material is typically stronger. Others suggest placing it under the oil pan and transmission, creating a sort of cradle for the engine. It is also recommended to loosen the front transmission-to-mount bolts and disconnect the air intake hose to minimise stress on the pan.

By following these steps and using a board to distribute the weight, it is possible to safely jack up the engine using the oil pan while reducing the risk of damage.

Only do one motor mount at a time

Motor mounts are metal brackets with a rubber part that stop the engine from rocking back and forth as you drive and stop. They also prevent the vibrating engine from shaking the car. There are usually four or five of them in a car.

When replacing motor mounts, it is important to only do one motor mount at a time. If all of the motor mounts are removed at once, realignment issues can occur. For instance, the weight might not be evenly distributed, causing vibrations, or the motor might not be completely straight anymore. Therefore, it is recommended to replace one motor mount at a time, ensuring that the weight remains evenly distributed and the motor remains straight.

In addition, it is crucial to use a jack and a block of wood, or a similar tool, to support the engine while replacing motor mounts. This helps to distribute the weight across the oil pan and prevent damage to the oil pan or other components.

Frequently asked questions