Changing Oil Pan In A 1999 Elantra: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the oil pan on a 1999 Hyundai Elantra can be a simple job or a complex one, depending on the accessibility of the oil pan bolts and the ease of removing the old pan and installing the new one. On average, it takes around four hours for a technician to replace an oil pan. The oil pan is bolted to the engine block, and there is an oil pan gasket in between the block and pan to prevent oil leaks. The oil drain plug is located in the oil pan. If the oil pan is being replaced due to damage, the mechanic should ensure that the oil pump pickup tube has not been damaged.

Heat the car and place it on stands

To heat your car and place it on stands, follow these steps:

Firstly, park your car on level ground, preferably on a paved surface. If you have no choice but to park on an incline, make sure to park close to the curb and turn the wheels inward. This is important because jacks and jack stands only function vertically, and your car will be unstable on a slope.

Next, you'll want to secure your car in place. Block the downside wheels with wheel wedges, wood blocks, or bricks to prevent accidental rolling. If you're lifting the front of the car, chock the back wheels, and vice versa. Put the car in park and engage the emergency brake. If your car has a manual transmission, put it in first gear while still engaging the parking brake.

Now, you can start to place the jack and jack stands. Check your owner's manual for the proper placement of the jack. Position the jack under the car frame. If you only need to lift one wheel, just lift that corner of the vehicle. If you need to lift the front or rear of the car, choose a jack point at the center of the front or rear suspension or frame.

Once the jack is in place, you can start to raise the car to the desired height. Make sure to use a jack with adequate weight capacity for your vehicle. It is recommended to use tools with a capacity of at least 50% of the vehicle's weight.

With the car raised, you can now place the jack stands. Place the jack stand under the car frame at a reinforced point or "pinch weld" near where the jack is placed. Adjust the height of the jack stand and use the pin or screw to lock it in place according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you are supporting one corner of the vehicle, place the jack stand under the jacking point. If you are supporting the whole front or rear of the vehicle, use a pair of jack stands, preferably set at equal heights.

Once the jack stands are in place, slowly lower the car until it rests securely on the stands. Remove the jack and give the car a gentle push to ensure that the jack stands are holding the weight of the car. Now your car is safely placed on the stands, and you can begin your oil pan repair.

Drain the oil

To drain the oil from your 1999 Elantra, you'll need to locate the oil drain plug, which is found on the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Place an oil drain pan or a large container underneath the plug to catch the draining oil.

Before removing the plug, make sure your engine is turned off and has had some time to cool down. You may also want to wear gloves and old clothes to avoid getting oil on your skin or clothes. Once you've located the drain plug, use the correct size wrench or socket to loosen and remove it. Allow the oil to drain completely. This may take several minutes.

While you're waiting, you can take this opportunity to inspect the oil that's draining. The oil's colour and consistency can provide clues about the health of your engine. Dark brown or black oil with a thin consistency is normal. However, if you notice that the oil is very dark, has a burnt smell, or has a thick, sludgy consistency, it could indicate that your engine is overdue for an oil change or that there may be other issues.

After the oil has finished draining, you'll need to replace the oil drain plug. Make sure the plug is not damaged and that the gasket or washer on the plug is in good condition. If the gasket or washer is worn or damaged, replace it with a new one. Tighten the plug securely, but be careful not to over-tighten it, as this can strip the threads or damage the oil pan.

Once the plug is securely tightened, lower the vehicle if it was raised, and you can proceed to the next step of changing the oil pan. Remember to dispose of the drained oil properly. Do not pour it down the drain or into the environment. Many auto parts stores and repair shops will accept used motor oil for recycling.

Remove the oil pan

To remove the oil pan from a 1999 Hyundai Elantra, you will need to drain the oil and remove the oil pan from the engine. This may require raising the vehicle or removing the front subframe.

First, drain the oil. Then, to remove the oil pan, you will need to remove the oil pan bolts. Look at the shop manual to identify all the bolts. In the back, where the pan meets the bell housing, there are some threads in the pan itself. Take an 8 by 1.25 threaded bolt and screw it in there to break the pan loose from the block. You may also need to jack up the engine to clear the crossmember. The exhaust will also need to be dropped.

Once all the bolts are removed, gently pry the pan off with a putty knife or flat screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the mating surfaces on the engine block or the oil pan, as these will need to be cleaned and a new gasket applied once the old pan is off.

Clean the oil pan

To clean the oil pan of your 1999 Elantra, you can use a combination of cleaning agents and tools. Start by draining any remaining oil from the pan into a suitable container. You can let the oil drip for a few hours to ensure most of it is removed.

Next, you can use a combination of cleaning methods to remove any residual oil and grime. Some common methods and tools include:

• Degreaser or brake cleaner: Spraying these on the pan can help break down and remove oil residue.
• Dish soap and hot water: Soaking the pan in dish soap and hot water can help loosen and remove grime. You can use a scrub brush to help scrub away the dirt.
• Wire brush or steel wool: These can help scrub away caked-on dirt and grime.
• Oven cleaner: Spray-on oven cleaner can be applied, left to sit, and then rinsed off, helping to remove stubborn grease and oil.
• Power washer: If you have access to a power washer, this can be an effective way to blast away any remaining dirt and grime.
• Dishwasher: Some people have had success cleaning their oil pans in a dishwasher, using a heavy-duty cycle and dishwasher detergent. However, this is not recommended if you value your relationship!

After cleaning, ensure you rinse and dry the oil pan thoroughly. You may also want to apply a new gasket or sealant to the pan before reinstalling it, as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

Refill with manufacturer's suggested dose

Once you have drained the oil and removed the oil pan, you will need to refill it with oil. The 1999 Hyundai Elantra with a 2.0L 4-cyl G4CP DOHC engine takes 4.2 quarts (4 liters) of oil. The recommended oil type is 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, or 10W-40.

When refilling the oil pan, it is important to use the correct type of oil and to add the correct amount. Using the wrong type of oil or adding too much or too little oil can damage the engine. Check your owner's manual or consult a mechanic if you are unsure about the correct type and amount of oil to use.

It is also important to tighten the oil pan drain plug securely to prevent oil leaks. The oil pan drain plug tightening torque for a 1999 Hyundai Elantra is specified in the owner's manual or can be provided by a mechanic. Over-tightening the drain plug can strip the threads, so be sure to use the correct torque specification.

Additionally, it is recommended to replace the oil filter and crush washer when changing the oil. These components ensure that the oil is properly filtered and that the drain plug is sealed correctly.

By following these instructions and using the manufacturer's recommended oil type and amount, you can help ensure that your Hyundai Elantra's engine is well-maintained and runs smoothly.

Frequently asked questions