The Oil Pan Seal: Easy Steps For Replacement

Changing an oil pan seal is a messy but straightforward task. Before you begin, you'll need to identify the source of the leak and confirm that it is, in fact, the oil pan gasket that needs replacing. Once you've purchased the appropriate replacement parts, you can begin by jacking up the vehicle and draining the oil. The next step is to remove the oil pan, clean the area, and install the new gasket, before refilling the oil pan with engine oil.

Detect oil leaks

Detecting an oil leak from an oil pan can be done by following these steps:

• Clean the engine with a degreaser, possibly at a self-service car wash.
• When external oil reappears, follow the trail to its highest point.
• If the evidence leads to the top of the oil pan, the solution will be more labor-intensive.
• The culprit could be a loose oil-pan drain plug, a dipstick tube that has come unseated from the engine block, or an oil filter that is either not screwed down or has a cracked gasket.

Signs that you have an oil leak include:

• A puddle of oil under your vehicle
• A greasy oil pan and exhaust system after driving
• Low oil levels
• A smoking or burning smell coming from the engine compartment

Confirm the source of the leak

Confirming the source of an oil leak can be tricky, as there are many places from which oil can leak. Here are some ways to confirm the source of the leak:

Check for Puddles or Stains

The tell-tale sign of an oil leak is a puddle or stain under the car. However, this could be from anywhere in the engine, so you must determine the source. A puddle under the car doesn't automatically mean the oil pan gasket is bad. The oil could be dripping from something above the pan, such as the valve cover gaskets or timing cover, and simply running down onto the oil pan.

Clean the Engine and Pan

Buy some brake parts cleaner and white foot powder spray. Put on safety goggles and nitrile gloves, and with the engine off, wash the entire oily area with the brake parts cleaner and allow it to dry. Then, spray the white foot powder all over the suspected leak area. Start the engine and you should spot the leak right away. Caution: Never get underneath a car unless it is safely and properly supported.

Place Cardboard Under the Car

Place a piece of cardboard under the car to see where the oil is dripping from. However, the oil may not be dripping while the car is stationary, so this method may not be effective.

Check Oil Levels

Low oil levels are a sure sign that there is an oil leak somewhere. If your vehicle's oil light comes on, this indicates that oil levels are low.

Check for an Oil Coating on the Undercarriage

A major oil pan gasket leak will cause a spray to coat the undercarriage of the vehicle. This is known as blowback and is caused by wind while driving at higher speeds.

Get a Mechanic's Help

If the above steps don't help you find the source of the leak, it's best to consult a mechanic. A specialist could use pressure testing or UV light to locate the source of the leak.

Purchase replacement parts

Before you begin the process of changing your oil pan seal, you will need to purchase a replacement oil pan gasket. The type of gasket you need will depend on the type of vehicle you have and the type of metals the gasket will be intended to seal.

You can purchase a replacement oil pan gasket from a variety of auto parts stores, both online and in-person. Some popular options include AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA. Additionally, you can find gaskets on Amazon and other online retailers.

When purchasing a replacement oil pan gasket, it is important to consult your vehicle's service manual to ensure you are getting the correct part. The manual will also provide valuable information on the removal and installation process, as well as any specific procedures or requirements for your vehicle.

In addition to the oil pan gasket, you may also need to purchase sealants or chemicals to complete the installation. Again, refer to your vehicle's service manual and the instructions that come with the oil pan gasket to determine what additional materials you may need.

Once you have gathered all the necessary parts and materials, you can proceed with the oil pan gasket replacement process.

Remove and replace the oil pan

To remove and replace the oil pan, follow these steps:

Jacking and supporting the vehicle

Firstly, you need to raise the vehicle using a floor jack with the correct lifting capacity. Once the vehicle is raised, place jack stands at the appropriate points to support the vehicle in the lowest setting possible for safety and stability. Then, slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and leave the jack in place for safety.

Draining the oil

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

Removing the oil pan

Use the correct socket and ratchet to remove the oil pan bolts, leaving one at each corner loosely in place. If the pan does not fall loose, you may need to gently tap or pry it away from the engine block. Once the pan is loosened, remove the remaining oil pan bolts and carefully remove the pan to avoid damaging the oil pick-up located within.

Clean-up

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

Gasket installation

Gently remove any 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 and let it set for a few minutes. Once set, apply the pan gasket to the surface, applying even pressure all around.

To minimise movement of the gasket while placing the oil pan, take a 3-4 inch length of wire and peel off the insulation. Take a few individual strands of wire and loop them through 4-6 holes in the oil pan, twisting them loosely around the gasket. Once you have loosely installed a few of the pan bolts, untwist the wire strands and remove them.

Reinstalling the oil pan

Insert all the oil pan bolts by hand to start. To avoid distorting the oil pan and future leaks, torque the oil pan bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. If you do not have a repair manual for your vehicle, your local auto parts store should be able to provide the specifications.

Refilling the oil pan

Reinstall the oil pan drain plug and new oil filter, then fill the engine with the recommended oil. Check for any obvious leaks before lowering the vehicle. Start the vehicle and let it run for a minute, then turn off the engine and wait a few minutes before checking the oil level. Top off if needed. Once checked, start the vehicle again and let it warm up at idle. Check for any leaks after the vehicle has warmed up and again after it has been driven.

Clean the mounting surface

To clean the mounting surface, you should use a gasket scraper or similar tool to remove any old gasket material without damaging the engine block or other mounting surfaces.

You can also use a new gasket or a liquid gasket maker to seal your new oil pan, but make sure to add a liquid sealant anywhere your new oil pan will cross a seam or gap like where the engine block meets a timing cover.

• Use plastic or composite/plastic scrapers to remove the remnants of a gasket from a cylinder head. Metal tools will damage the soft aluminum engine block.
• Hold the scraper at a steep angle (mostly parallel to the surface) and scrape the gasket away.
• Chip at the gasket by stabbing at it like an ice pick. Hold the scraper a few inches away and quickly and repeatedly jab at the gasket.
• Hold the scraper perpendicular to the surface and quickly slide it back and forth like you're revealing a scratch-off lottery ticket. This will help break up the surface of the gasket.
• Use a 3M Bristle Disc with a rotary tool to cut through the gasket without damaging the engine block. Make sure not to use too much force as this can create depressions in the aluminum.
• Clean the inside of the oil pan and inspect it for cracks.

Frequently asked questions