Oil Pan Gasket Replacement Cost For Ford Fusion

The oil pan gasket in a Ford Fusion seals the oil pan to the bottom of the engine. The average cost of replacing the oil pan gasket in a Ford Fusion is between $365 and $541, with parts costing between $71 and $153, and labor costing between $294 and $389. The price of the gasket itself starts from $51.99.

Oil pan gasket replacement cost

The oil pan gasket seals the surfaces between the oil pan and the lower part of the engine block. The oil pan itself is attached to the bottom of the engine and acts as a reservoir for the engine's oil capacity. The oil pan gasket is crucial as it keeps the circulating oil inside the engine.

The oil pan gasket doesn't wear out like a tire or a ball joint, but the gasket's rubber or cork will eventually degrade to the point of leakage. If you notice a consistent oil leak in the same spot under your car, this could be a symptom of a damaged oil pan gasket.

The cost of replacing an oil pan gasket for a Ford Fusion varies depending on the model year and engine type. The average cost is between $461 and $541, with labor costs estimated between $308 and $389, and parts typically priced around $153.

For example, the cost of replacing the oil pan gasket for a 2013 Ford Fusion L4-2.0L Turbo is estimated to be between $668.70 and $860.41. On the other hand, the cost of replacing the oil pan gasket for a 2017 Ford Fusion L4-1.5L Turbo is estimated to be between $585.75 and $753.84.

It's important to note that these estimates may not include taxes and fees, and the price can vary based on your unique location.

Symptoms of a faulty oil pan gasket

The oil pan gasket is an important component that seals the oil pan to the bottom of the engine block. When this gasket is damaged or faulty, it can cause a range of issues. Here are some common symptoms of a faulty oil pan gasket:

• Smoke from the engine: One of the most noticeable signs of a faulty oil pan gasket is smoke coming from the engine. This occurs when oil leaks from the pan and falls onto the hot exhaust manifold, causing it to burn and produce smoke.
• Engine overheating: Engine oil plays a crucial role in keeping the engine cool, along with the coolant. If the oil pan gasket is faulty and leaks oil, the oil level drops, reducing its ability to lubricate and cool the engine effectively. This can lead to engine overheating, which, if left unattended, can cause extensive damage.
• Oil puddles under the car: If you notice puddles of oil under your car, it could be due to a faulty oil pan gasket. Over time, the rubber gasket deteriorates due to the high heat it is exposed to, leading to leaks and creating puddles of oil.
• Lower than normal oil levels: In some cases, a faulty oil pan gasket may cause a very small leak that is barely noticeable. However, you may notice that your oil levels are lower than usual. Most vehicles have a low oil warning light that will illuminate when there is a problem, indicating a serious loss of oil.
• Oil warning light: A faulty oil pan gasket can cause oil leaks, which can lead to a significant drop in oil levels. When the oil levels get too low, your car's oil warning light may turn on, indicating a critical situation.
• Burning oil smell: A leaking oil pan gasket can cause oil to drip onto hot engine components, such as the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter. When this oil burns, it produces a distinct and unpleasant burning oil smell. This smell may be particularly noticeable when you first start your vehicle.
• Oil-coated undercarriage: A major oil pan gasket leak can result in a condition called "blowback," where the wind while driving at higher speeds sweeps the leaking oil towards the back of the vehicle, coating the undercarriage. This oil coating can also contribute to the strong burning oil odour.

Repairing an oil pan gasket

An oil pan gasket leak can cause serious damage to your engine, so it's important to repair it as soon as possible. Here's a detailed guide on how to repair an oil pan gasket:

Step 1: Jacking and Supporting the Vehicle

Use a floor jack to raise your vehicle, ensuring it has the correct lifting capacity for your car. Place jack stands at the appropriate points to support the vehicle in the lowest setting possible for safety and stability. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and leave the jack in place for safety.

Step 2: Drain the Oil

Place a drain pan underneath the oil pan to catch the oil. Remove the oil filter using an oil filter wrench. Once the oil filter is removed, move the drain pan and remove the oil drain plug to allow the oil to drain. Dispose of the oil and filter properly.

Step 3: Oil Pan Removal

Remove the oil pan bolts, leaving one at each corner loosely in place. You may need to gently tap or pry the pan away from the engine block. Once the pan is loosened, remove the remaining oil pan bolts and carefully take out the pan, being careful not to damage the oil pickup located within.

Step 4: Clean the Pan and Engine Block

Using a cleaner/degreaser, clean the oil pan inside and out, as well as the area on the lower engine block where the oil pan attaches. This will ensure that any sludge or residue is removed before installing the new gasket.

Step 5: Gasket Installation

Remove the old gasket material from the oil pan and engine block mounting surface using a scraper. Wipe both surfaces clean and let them dry. Following the directions on the RTV package, apply a thin film of RTV to the oil pan mounting surface. Once the RTV has set, apply the new pan gasket to the surface, applying even pressure all around.

Step 6: Install the Pan

Insert all the oil pan bolts by hand to start. Then, torque the oil pan bolts to the manufacturer's specifications to avoid distorting the oil pan and causing future leaks. Reinstall the oil pan drain plug and new oil filter.

Step 7: Refill the Oil Pan and Check for Leaks

Fill the engine with the recommended oil. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. Start the engine and let it run for a minute. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes before checking the oil level. Top off the oil if needed. Start the vehicle again and let it warm up. Check for any leaks after the vehicle has warmed up and again after driving it.

When to Replace an Oil Pan Gasket

It is recommended to check your oil pan gasket at each oil change to ensure correct engine oil levels. Over time, the gasket will harden, dry, and crack, leading to oil leaks. Common symptoms of a bad oil pan gasket include consistent oil leaks under your car and an engine oil warning light on your dashboard. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an inspection as soon as possible to prevent engine damage.

Oil pan gasket replacement steps

The cost of an oil pan gasket for a Ford Fusion varies depending on the model year of your car. The price of the part itself ranges from $71 to $300. The total cost of the replacement, including labor, ranges from $461 to $1074.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

You will likely notice one of the following issues:

• A puddle of oil under your car
• Smoke coming from your engine
• Lower than normal oil levels

Step 2: Confirm the Source

The first thing you want to do is make sure you’ve identified the right problem. Clean all the oil from your engine using a degreaser or engine cleaner. Then, go for a quick drive (10 to 20 minutes) and recheck for leaks. If you don’t discover leaking oil from anywhere above your oil pan, then it’s likely your leak is coming from the oil pan gasket.

Step 3: Purchase Replacement Parts

Before you can begin replacing your oil pan, you’ll need to research the specific parts that your car needs.

Step 4: Jack Up the Vehicle

Use a floor jack with the correct lifting capacity for your vehicle, and jack stands to support the vehicle at the appropriate points.

Step 5: Drain the Oil

Place a drain pan underneath the oil pan. Remove the oil filter and the oil drain plug, and allow the oil to drain into the pan. Dispose of the oil and filter properly.

Step 6: Remove the Oil Pan

Remove the oil pan bolts, leaving one at each corner loosely in place. You may need to gently tap or pry the pan away from the engine block. Once the pan is loosened, remove the remaining oil pan bolts and carefully take out the pan.

Step 7: Clean the Oil Pan and Engine Block

Using a cleaner/degreaser, clean the oil pan inside and out, as well as the area on the lower engine block where the oil pan attaches.

Step 8: Remove the Old Gasket

Use a scraper to gently remove any gasket material from the oil pan and the engine block mounting surface. Wipe both surfaces clean and let them dry.

Step 9: Install the New Gasket

Following the directions on the package, apply a thin film of RTV to the oil pan mounting surface. Allow the RTV to set up for a few minutes. Once it has set, apply the new gasket to the surface, applying even pressure all around.

Step 10: Reinstall the Oil Pan

Insert all the oil pan bolts by hand to start. Torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications to avoid distorting the oil pan and causing future leaks.

Step 11: Refill the Oil Pan

Reinstall the oil drain plug and new oil filter. Fill the engine with the recommended oil.

Step 12: Check for Leaks

Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. Start the vehicle and let it run for a minute or so. Turn the engine off and check the oil level. Top off if needed. Once checked, start the vehicle and let it warm up at idle. Check for any leaks after the engine has warmed up and again after the vehicle has been driven.

When to replace an oil pan gasket

An oil pan gasket seals the oil pan to the bottom of the engine block. The engine has several moving parts that need to be lubricated by the engine oil. The oil pan gasket prevents motor oil from leaking out as it travels from the pan to the motor and returns to the pan. Over time, the oil pan gasket will wear out and start leaking oil. You will see oil on the ground beneath your car. If the oil is leaking, you may see an engine oil warning light on your dashboard.

It is important to replace the oil pan gasket when it starts to leak. Oil leaks can cause severe engine damage if not addressed. Driving with a leaking oil pan increases the risk of driving with insufficient oil in the engine, which can starve oil-driven parts and damage them. Therefore, it is recommended to check the oil regularly and schedule an inspection if the oil level is low or the vehicle is leaking oil.

• A consistent oil leak in the same spot under your car.
• Smoke from the engine compartment due to oil leaking onto hot exhaust pipes.
• Unusually high engine oil consumption.

It is worth noting that repair intervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions. The oil pan gasket does not wear like a tire or a ball joint, but eventually, the gasket's rubber or cork will degrade to the point of leakage. Often, leakage of the oil pan gasket is visible during normal servicing (such as an oil change) so it typically doesn't go unnoticed for too long.

Frequently asked questions