Replacing Oil Pan Gasket: 2004 Dodge Stratus Guide

Changing the oil pan gasket on a 2004 Dodge Stratus can be a challenging task. The oil pan gasket is located at the bottom of the engine, and replacing it typically involves removing the oil pan and gasket, draining the oil, cleaning the engine block, applying a new gasket, and refilling the engine with oil. The process may also require removing or lowering certain components, such as the front crossmember, motor mounts, and exhaust pipe, to access the oil pan. It is important to verify that the oil leak is specifically from the oil pan gasket and not from another source. The average cost for this repair is around $240 to $540, depending on the location and the complexity of the job.

Remove the front and rear motor mount bolts

To remove the front and rear motor mount bolts on a 2004 Dodge Stratus, follow these steps:

First, drive the car onto even ground and open the car's hood. Disconnect the battery so that no power is going to any moving parts. This is an important safety precaution.

Next, you'll need to jack up the car. Place a jack under the car's front right side and jack it up off the ground. Place a jack stand under the car's frame at the support rail, then lower the car onto the jack stand. Repeat this process on the left side of the car, then remove the jack from under the car.

Now, locate the engine mounts. These are rubber fittings found at each corner of the engine block. Place the jack under the centre of the engine and jack it up slightly to take the weight off the mounts.

You can now begin to remove the bolts from the mounts with pliers and a ratchet set. Once the bolts are removed, use a pry bar to remove the mounts from the fixture.

At this point, you can install new mounts. Simply place the bolts into the new mounts and secure them with pliers and the ratchet set.

Remember to exercise caution when working on your vehicle. Improper removal or installation of engine mounts can result in injury.

Drop the exhaust pipe

To drop the exhaust pipe of a 2004 Dodge Stratus, you will need to remove the trans crossmember. This will allow you to get the down pipe out without cutting it.

First, locate the clamps and use the correct tool to loosen them. You will need to use a 15mm deep impact socket. The clamps are very tight, so ensure you have the correct tool to avoid damaging them.

Next, remove the bolts holding the crossmember in place. Depending on your model, there may be three or four bolts to remove. Once these are removed, you can lower the crossmember, giving you access to the exhaust pipe.

If you are only removing the tailpipe, you do not need to drop the crossmember. Simply unbolt the pipe and pull it out.

When reinstalling the exhaust pipe, torque the clamps to 61 inch-pounds.

Remove the oil pan and old gasket

To remove the oil pan and old gasket from a 2004 Dodge Stratus, you'll need to follow these steps:

First, use a floor jack to lift the vehicle, placing a drain pan underneath to catch any dripping oil. Gently undo the oil filter and oil drain plug, allowing the old oil to drain out completely. You may need to remove the air conditioning bracketry and the exhaust manifold to access the oil pan.

Next, locate the oil pan bolt and carefully remove it, being cautious not to damage the oil pick-up inside the oil pan. Once the bolt is removed, you can proceed to remove the engine mount, oil pan, and old gasket.

Clean the lower engine block, oil pan, and engine mount with a dry cloth and let them dry for a few minutes. Then, apply a thin layer of RTV (silicone rubber) to the mounting surface.

Now, you're ready to install the new gasket. Position the replacement oil pan gasket correctly against the mounting surface and apply pressure to ensure a good seal. Use wire strands to keep the gasket in place temporarily while you reinstall the pan bolt.

Finally, refer to the manufacturer's specifications to torque the oil pan bolt to the appropriate tightness. Reinstall the oil filter, oil drain plug, and any other necessary parts. Refill the engine with new oil, checking for any signs of leakage.

Lower the vehicle and start the engine, letting it run for a few minutes. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes before re-checking the oil level. Take the car for a short drive to ensure there are no leaks.

Clean the lower engine block

To clean the lower engine block of your 2004 Dodge Stratus, begin by preparing your workspace. Choose a well-ventilated area with proper drainage and place a suitable container or tarp underneath the engine to collect any liquids or debris. It is important to wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself from chemicals and debris.

Once you have prepared your workspace, you can start the cleaning process. First, remove any large debris or loose contaminants from the engine block using a brush or a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching. You can also use a high-pressure washer or a pressure washer to flush away any remaining residue. Pay close attention to the water passages and galleries to ensure that they are clear of any buildup.

Next, apply a suitable engine degreaser to the entire engine block. Engine-specific degreasers are recommended over household cleaners as they are formulated to effectively clean engine blocks without causing damage. Allow the degreaser to penetrate and dissolve grease and oil. Use a brush or scrubbing pad to agitate the surface, focusing on stubborn areas. Rinse the engine block thoroughly with water to remove the degreaser.

If you have access to a steam cleaner, this can also be used to remove grease and oil. Direct the steam to the affected areas while using a brush to scrub away contaminants. Ensure proper ventilation during this process.

After removing grease and oil, focus on cleaning any rust from the engine block. Use a wire brush to remove rust, dirt, and debris, scrubbing gently to avoid damaging the block. Apply a rust dissolver to areas with rust stains and allow it to penetrate before scrubbing with a wire brush. Rinse the block thoroughly after removing the rust.

Finally, dry the engine block completely before proceeding with any further repairs or reassembly. You can use compressed air or a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any moisture.

Apply a thin film of RTV to the mounting surface

When replacing the oil pan gasket on a 2004 Dodge Stratus, you will need to apply a thin film of RTV to the mounting surface. RTV stands for room temperature vulcanizing. It is a type of silicone rubber that begins to cure as soon as it is exposed to air. It is water-repellent, adhesive, and holds its shape.

Before applying the RTV, you will need to remove the old gasket, clean the mounting surface, and let it dry for a few minutes. Then, take your RTV sealant and apply a thin film to the mounting surface. This will act as an adhesive for the new gasket and help create a reliable seal.

When applying the RTV, work quickly as it needs to be applied to the surface rapidly to avoid curing before you are finished. It is also important to ensure that the environmental temperature is at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit or 24 degrees Celsius, as this is the temperature range in which RTV will cure.

After applying the RTV, you can then position the replacement oil pan gasket correctly against the mounting surface and apply pressure. You will then need to follow the remaining steps to torque the oil pan bolt, reinstall the oil filter, refill the engine with new oil, and check for any signs of an oil leak.

Frequently asked questions