Pulling Your Car's Oil Pan: Step-By-Step Guide

The oil pan, or oil sump, is a metal container that sits at the bottom of an engine block and holds the engine oil. It is responsible for collecting and storing the oil that lubricates the engine's moving parts. The oil pan is sealed with a gasket to prevent leaks and has a drain plug that allows the oil to be drained during an oil change. While some people choose to remove the oil pan during an oil change, it is not necessary to do so. Removing the oil pan can be a complex and time-consuming task, as it may require raising or removing the engine. The cost of replacing an engine oil pan can vary from $200 to $1000 or more, depending on the vehicle, labor costs, and the availability of the oil pan.

Hoist the engine

Hoisting an engine is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure safety and avoid damage to the vehicle. Here is a detailed guide on how to hoist an engine:

• Planning: Determine the weight of the engine and choose an appropriate hoist with a suitable weight rating. Ensure you have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-capped footwear, gloves, eye protection, and ear protection.
• Preparation: Disconnect the engine from the transmission, remove the wiring, and ensure it is fully detached from other components. Inspect the hoist for any signs of damage or wear, including the bolts, chains, and slings. Ensure the hoist is secure and can support the engine's weight.
• Hoist Setup: Identify sturdy points at the back and front of the engine to attach the chains. Attach the chains securely, forming an "X" shape across the engine. Adjust the hoist to ensure the correct weight setting and hook it centred to the chains, balancing the engine's weight.
• Engine Removal: Slowly jack up the hoist, raising the engine. Ensure no wires or components are still connected. Lift the engine away from the engine bay and slowly lower it towards the ground. Place the engine on a stand or intended surface and disconnect the hoist.
• Engine Handling: If you need to move the engine, adjust the hoist to ensure it is at a safe height. Transport the engine carefully to the desired location and secure it in place.
• Safety: Throughout the process, be mindful of the weight and potential hazards. Do not jerk or move the engine abruptly. Avoid going underneath the engine or hoist during lifting. Always use caution and follow safety protocols when working with heavy machinery.

Remember that hoisting an engine can be dangerous if not performed correctly. It is important to take your time, follow the instructions, and prioritize safety at all times.

Remove the exhaust y-pipe

To remove the exhaust y-pipe, you will need to first remove the catalytic converter heat shield to access the RH manifold-to-head pipe bolts. Soak the nuts and studs in a penetrating oil such as PB Blaster and leave overnight. Use a 1/2" impact gun to remove the nuts and bolts. If you don't have access to an impact gun, you can use a breaker bar with extensions and a U-joint socket. You will need deep-well sockets to fit over the rusty studs.

Once you have removed the four nuts, the y-pipe will come down. You will then need to remove the studs. You can use the same procedure as for the nuts, or you may need to use a reciprocating saw to cut the stud off flush with the manifold, and then drill it out.

If you are removing the y-pipe to replace it, be aware that some aftermarket y-pipes may not fit correctly and may require some bending to get them to fit.

Remove the starter

To remove the starter, first, raise the car to an appropriate height and support it. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery. Next, remove the mounting bolts from the rack and pinion. You don't need to remove it, just manipulate it so it's out of your way. Now, remove the cable from the starter.

If your car still has the secondary cross member bolted in place, remove it. This will give you access to the bottom starter bolt, as well as clearer access to the back oil pan bolts. Remove the two bolts holding the starter in place, and then remove the starter.

Note that some people recommend removing the starter when removing the oil pan, while others claim it is unnecessary.

Remove the torque converter dust shield

To remove the torque converter dust shield, you will need to first remove the starter. This will give you access to the dust shield. Once the starter is out of the way, you can then remove the dust shield.

The dust shield is typically held in place with bolts. The number of bolts and their size can vary depending on the vehicle. For example, a manual transmission may have four 10mm or 12mm bolts, while an automatic transmission will have bolts that are more challenging to access.

When removing the dust shield, be careful not to bend it, as it can hit the converter if it is not in one piece. You may also need to disconnect the wires from the transmission and remove other components, such as the exhaust y-pipe, distributor cap, and motor mount bolts, to access the dust shield fully.

It is important to note that removing the dust shield is necessary to access the bolts that hold the flywheel and torque converter together. Attempting to pull the engine without removing the dust shield will result in the torque converter getting stuck.

Remove motor mount bolts

To remove the motor mount bolts, you'll need to first check for clearance against the firewall. Ensure that there is enough space to raise the engine without damaging any other components, such as radiator hoses, AC lines, or the distributor cap.

Next, secure the engine on a jack using blocks of wood to support it. It is important to never jack the engine directly by the oil pan, as it can bend and rupture. Once the engine is securely supported, you can begin to loosen the engine mount bolts. In some cases, you may need a long extension and a universal joint to reach the bolts.

After loosening the engine mount bolts, crawl under the vehicle and loosen the mount-to-frame bolts. Now, you can start jacking up the engine a little at a time. As you raise the engine, you'll be able to access and remove the motor mount.

Remember to take your time and work in small increments to avoid any damage to the engine or surrounding components.

Frequently asked questions