Replacing Oil Pan: Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Changing your oil pan is a simple task that can be done at home with the right tools and knowledge. The oil pan, also known as the sump, is located underneath the car and is responsible for holding excess oil. Over time, oil pans can become corroded or damaged and will need to be replaced. This can be done by jacking up the car, draining the oil, unbolting the old oil pan, and installing a new one. It is important to use the correct oil pan for your vehicle, as they come in a variety of sizes and types. Oil pans can be purchased at most auto parts stores or online.

Choosing the right oil drain pan

• Capacity: Ensure that the oil drain pan has sufficient capacity to hold the amount of oil your vehicle requires. This will make the oil change process faster and more efficient.
• Material: Opt for drain pans made of high-quality and durable materials, such as steel or thick plastic. This will ensure the pan's longevity and provide better value for your money.
• Size and Shape: Choose a pan that is appropriately sized and shaped to fit comfortably under your vehicle. This will prevent leaks and spills.
• Spout or Pouring Mechanism: Select a pan with an efficient spout or pouring mechanism to ensure smooth and spill-free pouring when disposing of the used oil.
• Ease of Cleaning: Opt for a drain pan that is easy to clean and maintain. This will not only extend the life of the pan but also ensure that contaminants do not mix with the oil.
• Environmental Consideration: Look for reusable pans to minimise waste and reduce potential harm to the environment.
• Brand Reviews and Services: Purchase your oil drain pan from a reputable brand with positive reviews. This will ensure you receive a quality product and may also provide access to better customer service and support.
• Price: Finally, consider your budget. Oil drain pans vary in price based on type, size, and features. However, it is important to balance cost with the other factors mentioned above to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Draining the oil

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Box-end wrench or 6-pt. socket
• New oil pan gasket
• New oil
• Funnel

First, park your vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. If necessary, raise the front of the vehicle by driving it onto a ramp or by jacking it up and supporting it with jack stands. Be sure to use wheel chocks to prevent the wheels from rolling.

Next, locate the engine oil dipstick and remove it. This will help the oil flow when draining. Then, crawl under the vehicle and locate the engine's oil pan. You can refer to your owner's manual for help with this.

Once you've located the oil pan, find the oil drain plug. This is a long bolt head at the bottom of the pan that allows the oil to drain out. Some vehicles have two drain plugs. Position a container, such as an approved oil catch pan, under the drain plug to catch the oil. Make sure the container is large enough to hold the volume of oil expected to drain from the engine. You can check your owner's manual for the volume of oil your car requires.

Now, loosen the drain plug using a box-end wrench or 6-pt. socket, and carefully remove the plug by hand, ensuring the catch pan is underneath. The oil will flow rapidly, so allow several minutes for all the old oil to drain out. Be cautious as the oil may be hot!

After the oil has finished draining, wipe the oil pan threads and oil drain plug with a rag, and visually inspect the condition of the oil pan and drain plug threads and gasket. If you have any concerns, buy a replacement drain plug. Replace the drain plug gasket if needed (some vehicle manufacturers recommend this).

Finally, reinstall the oil drain plug and tighten it with the correct box-end wrench or 6-pt. socket to the manufacturer-specified torque. You can find this information in your owner's manual.

Disposing of the oil

Once you've drained the oil from your car, it's important to dispose of it properly. Used motor oil can contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals, and it only takes one cup of used motor oil to put an oil sheen on a 1-acre pond. Here are some tips for disposing of used motor oil:

• Catch all the oil – While draining the crankcase and removing the oil filter, use a specialised oil drain pan to catch every drop of used oil.
• Clean up spills – If you do spill any oil, absorb it with kitty litter or an oil-absorbent powder, sweep it up, and clean the area with a degreaser to remove any stains.
• Prepare the oil for transport – Pour the used oil into a clean plastic or metal container with a tightly sealed lid. Do not mix the oil with other automotive fluids. Oil recycling facilities may not accept oil that is mixed with other fluids. If the container isn't tightly sealed, wrap it in a plastic trash bag to prevent spills.
• Find a disposal location – Do not throw used oil in the trash or pour it down the drain. Instead, find a local disposal station using a tool like Earth911.com. Many oil-change facilities, auto parts stores, and AMSOIL Dealers also accept used motor oil. Some may charge a small recycling fee.
• Dispose of the oil filter – Before discarding a used oil filter, punch an air hole in the dome end and puncture the anti-drain back valve (if present) to allow oil to drain. Combine this oil with the rest of the used motor oil for recycling. Ask your disposal station if they will take your used oil filter as well.

Cleaning the oil drain pan

To clean an oil drain pan, first let the oil drip out for a few hours. Then, you can either wipe the pan with paper towels or old rags, or use a degreaser. If you use a degreaser, do not pour it down the kitchen sink, as this will contaminate the oil and make it unrecyclable. Instead, wipe the pan down with shop towels or rags that you are going to throw away. You can also put a paper towel or shop towel in the pan to absorb any residual oil before putting it away.

Storing the oil drain pan

Storing your oil drain pan is a straightforward process, but it's important to do it properly to avoid spills and keep your workspace clean. Here are some detailed instructions for storing your oil drain pan:

• Clean the Oil Drain Pan: Before storing your oil drain pan, it's crucial to ensure that it is clean and free of any residual oil. Wash the pan with an appropriate cleaning solution and wipe it down with a clean cloth or paper towel. This step is essential for maintaining a safe and tidy workspace.
• Allow the Pan to Dry: After cleaning, give the oil drain pan ample time to dry. Place it in a well-ventilated area to speed up the drying process. Make sure that the pan is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
• Choose a Designated Storage Area: Select a safe and accessible location in your garage or workspace to store your oil drain pan. Ensure that the chosen area is away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as these conditions can affect the integrity of the pan over time.
• Store the Pan in an Upright Position: When storing your oil drain pan, keep it in an upright position. This helps prevent any remaining oil residue from dripping out and creating a mess. If your pan has a lid or a spout, make sure they are securely closed to avoid any accidental leaks.
• Use a Storage Rack or Shelf: Consider investing in a sturdy storage rack or shelf to keep your oil drain pan organised and off the floor. This will help maximise your workspace and ensure that the pan is easily accessible when needed.
• Label the Storage Area: Clearly label the storage area for your oil drain pan to ensure that everyone in the workspace is aware of its location. This is especially important if you work in a shared garage or maintenance facility.
• Regular Maintenance: Periodically inspect your oil drain pan and the storage area to ensure that no leaks or spills have occurred. Wipe down the pan and the surrounding area as needed to maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Dispose of Oil Properly: If you need to dispose of the oil collected in the drain pan, make sure to do so responsibly. Contact your local waste management authority or recycling centre to learn about the proper procedures for disposing of used motor oil.

By following these steps, you can effectively store your oil drain pan, maintain a tidy workspace, and ensure that your oil drain pan is readily available for future oil changes or maintenance tasks.

Frequently asked questions