Tiffany Haney
The oil pan gasket in a car seals the surfaces between the oil pan and the lower part of the engine block. Over time, the gasket's rubber or cork will degrade to the point of leakage, which can cause a burning oil smell or smoke from oil burning in the engine bay. The oil pan gasket in a 1999 Ford Explorer can be replaced by draining the oil, removing all bolts, pulling off and cleaning the pan, installing a new gasket, reinstalling the pan, and refilling the oil. The average cost for a Ford Explorer oil pan gasket replacement is between $192 and $397, with labour costs estimated between $84 and $269, and parts priced between $108 and $128.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost for replacement | $192 to $397 |
| Labor costs | $84 to $269 |
| Parts | $108 to $128 |
| Oil pan gasket set | $16.99 |
| Engine oil pan | $43.41 to $74.69 |
What You'll Learn
Average cost of oil pan gasket replacement
The average cost of an oil pan gasket replacement for a 1999 Ford Explorer is between $192 and $397. This includes both the cost of parts and labor. The cost of labor is estimated to be between $84 and $269, while the cost of parts is estimated to be between $108 and $128.
It is important to note that this range does not include taxes and fees, and the cost may vary depending on your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed, which could increase the overall cost.
The oil pan gasket is responsible for sealing the surfaces between the oil pan and the lower part of the engine block. Over time, the gasket's rubber or cork will degrade, leading to leakage. It is important to replace the oil pan gasket when it starts leaking to avoid damage to other components of the vehicle.
Some of the symptoms of a bad engine oil pan gasket include an oil leak on the ground where the vehicle is parked, a low oil level, a burning oil smell, or even smoke from oil burning in the engine bay. While it is possible to continue driving with a leaking oil pan gasket, it is necessary to regularly check the oil level and top it off to avoid damage to oil-driven parts.
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Symptoms of a bad engine oil pan gasket
The oil pan gasket in your 1999 Ford Explorer seals the surfaces between the oil pan and the lower part of the engine block. It is located between the engine block and the oil pan, creating a seal that allows for expansion and contraction to deal with the heat produced by the motor.
- Oil puddles or stains under the car: Oil leaks from a faulty oil pan gasket can cause puddles or stains under your car. The rubber gasket deteriorates over time due to excessive heat from the engine, causing the fluid to seep through.
- Oil warning light: If the oil levels are low due to a leak, your car may illuminate the oil warning light. This indicates a serious loss of oil, and you should stop driving immediately to avoid engine damage.
- Burning oil smell: Oil leaking from the gasket may end up on hot exhaust parts, creating a burning oil smell. This can be alarming and may even make you sick while driving if the smell infiltrates the cabin.
- Smoke coming from the engine: Oil leaking from the oil pan may fall on the exhaust manifold, causing smoke to come from the engine. This can damage components like oxygen sensors if left unattended.
- Engine overheating: Engine oil helps keep the engine cool. If the oil pan leaks and the oil level drops, it can cause the engine to overheat, leading to extensive damage.
- Lower than normal oil levels: The oil pan gasket leak may be small and barely noticeable, but you may notice lower than normal oil levels. Most vehicles have a low oil light that will come on when there is an issue.
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Can you drive with a leaking oil pan?
It is not advisable to drive with a leaking oil pan. While it is possible to still drive the vehicle, there are several risks involved.
Firstly, a leaking oil pan can cause a constant need to check and top up the oil level. Driving with low oil levels can starve oil-driven parts of the necessary lubrication, leading to potential damage to components such as the timing chain tensioners, camshaft bearings, and crankshaft bearings. This can result in costly repairs.
Secondly, oil leaks pose a significant fire hazard. Oil leaking onto hot engine parts can catch fire, potentially causing injury to yourself and others.
Additionally, oil leaks can cause seals and rubber hoses to wear out prematurely, leading to larger problems if not addressed promptly.
While a small trace of oil on the ground may not be a major concern, it is always recommended to check your engine and determine the source of the leak. Modern cars have an oil level display, while older cars have a dipstick to check the oil level. It is crucial to ensure that the oil level stays between the minimum and maximum markers to avoid the risk of severe engine damage.
In summary, while it is technically possible to drive with a leaking oil pan, it is not safe to do so due to the potential risks and consequences. It is best to have a certified mechanic inspect and repair the leak as soon as possible to ensure the safe and proper functioning of your vehicle.
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How often do oil pan gaskets need to be replaced?
The oil pan gasket is an essential component of your car's engine, creating a seal to prevent oil leaks from the oil pan. Over time, this gasket will wear out and need to be replaced. The frequency of replacement depends on several factors, including the type of gasket material, driving conditions, and regular maintenance habits.
The two common types of oil pan gasket materials are cork and rubber. Cork gaskets tend to wear out faster due to their pieced-together construction. As the cork ages, it becomes more brittle and prone to breaking apart. Rubber gaskets, on the other hand, can mould themselves to the oil pan as they heat up, but they can also dry out and become damaged over time.
While there is no definitive timeline for replacing the oil pan gasket, regular maintenance and inspections are crucial. It is recommended to check the gasket at each oil change to ensure the correct engine oil levels are maintained. Leaking oil pan gaskets are often discovered during routine servicing, such as oil changes, as the leaks become visible.
Additionally, certain driving conditions can accelerate the degradation of the gasket. For example, frequent exposure to harsh environments, temperature changes, or driving with insufficient oil levels can all contribute to the gasket wearing out faster.
It is important to be vigilant for signs of a damaged oil pan gasket, such as constant oil leaks, burning oil smells, or smoke from oil burning in the engine bay. If you suspect any issues, it is best to consult a professional mechanic for inspection and replacement if necessary.
By staying proactive with maintenance and addressing any potential problems promptly, you can help ensure that your vehicle's oil pan gasket lasts as long as possible and minimise the risk of extensive damage to other engine components.
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How to replace an oil pan gasket
To replace an oil pan gasket on a 1999 Ford Explorer, you will need to first drain the oil. Next, remove all the bolts and pull the oil pan off. Clean the oil pan and remove the old gasket. Install a new gasket, reinstall the pan, and bolt it in place. Torque the bolts to between 8-10 ft-lbs. Finally, refill the oil.
The process is the same for both the upper and lower oil pan gaskets. However, for the upper oil pan gasket, you will need to remove the motor. For the lower oil pan gasket, you do not need to remove the motor.
If you have a one-piece rubber gasket, you can cut it and pull it out. Getting the new gasket in can be tricky, as you will need to stretch it around the pan and squeeze it into place.
It is important to properly diagnose the issue before attempting to replace the oil pan gasket. Oil leaks can also be caused by an external head gasket leak, a split line, or a crank seal.
If you are uncomfortable with performing the repair yourself, you can always take your vehicle to a certified shop.
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Frequently asked questions
The average cost for a Ford Explorer Sport Trac Oil Pan Gasket Replacement is between $192 and $230, while the cost for a Ford Explorer Oil Pan Gasket Replacement is between $329 and $397.
The oil pan gasket seals the surfaces between the oil pan and the lower part of the engine block.
The engine's oil pan is attached to the bottom of the engine. It acts as a reservoir for oil circulating through the engine's oil passages. The oil pan gasket is sandwiched between the bottom of the engine block and the oil pan to keep circulating oil inside the engine.
An oil leak may be present on the ground where the vehicle is parked. However, many vehicles have plastic trays that may catch leaking oil, in which case a low oil level, a burning oil smell, or smoke from oil burning in the engine bay may be noted.
