Why Lifters Fall Into Oil Pans And How To Prevent It

A lifter can end up in an oil pan due to a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons is a failure to use the correct jack point when lifting a car. This can cause the oil pan to dent or, in some cases, collapse entirely. It is also possible for a lifter to end up in an oil pan due to engine failure, with cam and lifter swaps being a common solution to this issue.

A lifter knock can cause metal flakes to fall into the oil pan

The oil filter is designed to catch metal flakes, but it cannot catch them all. As such, it is crucial to check and replace the oil and oil filter regularly. If left unattended, metal shavings in the oil can lead to reduced engine power, ticking noises, rough idling, engine knocking, and even white exhaust fumes. These are all indicators that there is a problem with the engine and that it needs to be serviced as soon as possible.

In some cases, a lifter knock may be caused by using the wrong type of oil. For example, switching to a lighter oil such as 5W30 can make a lifter tick more noticeable. Using a heavier oil, such as 10W30 or 20W50, can help to reduce the noise and prevent further damage. However, it is important to consult a mechanic or a professional as they will be able to properly diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.

Additionally, it is important to note that metal flakes in the oil can also be caused by other issues such as bad rod bearings, main bearings, faulty oil pumps, or worn camshafts. Therefore, it is crucial to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle to determine the exact cause of the metal flakes and recommend the necessary repairs.

Ignoring metal shavings in the oil can lead to serious engine damage and even failure. Therefore, it is crucial to take action as soon as metal shavings are noticed to prevent further issues and keep the vehicle running smoothly.

A block of wood can be used to spread force when lifting an engine

When lifting an engine, a block of wood can be used to spread the force of the jack across the entire oil pan surface. This is a popular, yet dangerous and discouraged, technique. The block of wood should be placed on top of the jack, which will then be placed under the engine. This will prevent the jack from damaging the thin metal of the sump.

However, this method can be risky as the oil pan could be too weak, resulting in severe engine damage. The engine could also tilt inside the engine bay, leading to damage or injury. It is recommended to use a trolley jack and the jacking points built into the car, which are usually identifiable by rubber blocks. The jack should be placed under the suspension ball joints to lift the car, and then jack stands should be placed under the jacking points.

It is important to prioritise safety when lifting an engine and to use proper lifting equipment if possible.

Lifting a car by the oil pan is not recommended

Even when lifting the engine, it is not recommended to lift it by the oil pan. The oil pan is typically made of thin metal and can be easily damaged or deformed. It is always best to use a proper jacking point when lifting a car or engine to avoid damage and ensure safety.

When removing the oil pan, it is generally recommended to lift the engine slightly to provide clearance to slide the pan out. However, this does not require lifting the entire weight of the car or engine, and the engine should be supported by a hoist or cherry picker. Attempting to lift the engine solely by the oil pan can lead to damage or an unsafe situation.

Additionally, accessing the oil pan can be challenging due to its location under the engine. This makes it difficult to position a jack or lifting device correctly and increases the risk of damage or injury if the car or engine is not securely supported.

In summary, lifting a car or engine by the oil pan is not recommended due to the risk of damage and safety concerns. It is always best to use proper jacking points and lifting equipment designed for the task to ensure a safe and successful lift.

A car can be lifted by the front jack point and the rear jack point

To lift a car by the front and rear jack points, start by parking on a stable, flat surface, like a concrete driveway or garage floor. Turn on your hazard lights if you're working near traffic. Use wheel chocks, bricks, cinder blocks, large rocks, or wedge-shaped pieces of wood in front of each wheel at the opposite end of the car from where you intend to lift. Make sure the car is in park and engage the parking brake. If your car has a manual transmission, put it in the lowest gear.

Consult your owner's manual to locate the front and rear jack points. Typically, there's a jack point behind each front wheel and in front of each back wheel, next to the rocker panels. There may also be central jack points located just behind the front and rear bumpers. Jack points will usually be flat metal areas, often with notches that match the shape of the top of the jack.

Position the jack under the jack point, making sure the correct side is facing up. Raise the jack until it touches the car. Continue raising it until the car is lifted 3-6 inches off the ground. Listen for any unusual sounds or movement while lifting the car, and check that the jack hasn't slipped out of position.

If you plan to work underneath the car, insert a jack stand beside the jack. Lower the car slowly until the jack stand supports the car. You can now remove the jack. When you're finished, raise the car slightly, remove the jack stand, and lower the car back down.

A car can be lifted using shallow ramps

Car ramps are a great way to lift your car and perform maintenance tasks such as oil changes or suspension checks. They are a safer, more stable, and quicker alternative to jack stands and are especially useful for low-profile cars.

When using car ramps, it is important to ensure that you are using the correct type of ramp for your vehicle. The ramp should be able to support more than half of the weight of your car. For example, if your car has a weight of 5000 pounds, each ramp should be able to support at least 2500 pounds. Additionally, the ramp should be wide enough for your tires and have a suitable angle of approach to avoid scraping the nose of your car.

When driving your car onto the ramps, always use them on a flat, even surface, and ensure that the ramps are stable. Once your car is on the ramps, set the parking brake and add wheel chocks behind the rear tires for added safety.

The MR1 Car Lift/Ramp is a unique patented system that consists of two long, shallow ramps supported by pivots at the upper ends. A rigid lifting beam connects the lower ends of the ramps. Once the car has ascended the ramps, the lifting beam, ramps, and car can be raised together using a trolley/floor jack. This system provides a clear floor space to work under the car and is ideal for use in garages with narrow or low headroom.

Car ramps are a great investment for DIY mechanics and auto enthusiasts. They enable you to safely work on your car and can save you money in the long term by avoiding garage fees.

Frequently asked questions