Cleaning Oil Pump Screens: Easy Diy Pan-In Method

Cleaning the oil pump screen without removing the oil pan is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. It is important to note that the oil pump screen plays a crucial role in preventing debris particles from entering the oil pump, and a clogged screen can lead to reduced oil pressure and potential engine damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning the oil pump screen without removing the oil pan:

- Locate the drain plug underneath your car and place a drain pan underneath to catch the engine oil.

- Unscrew the drain plug using a wrench and allow the oil to drain completely.

- Remove the oil filter and put a new drain plug to close the opening.

- Pour a gallon of a strong fuel cleaner or solvent, such as Berryman 12, into the engine oil fill. Do not start the ignition.

- Let the solvent sit in the oil pan for at least two days.

- After two days, open the drain plug and drain the solvent from the oil pan. Repeat this process if necessary until the solvent is no longer dark in color.

- Inspect the solvent for carbon grit by rubbing it between your fingers. A smooth texture indicates the absence of carbon grit.

- Reinstall the new oil filter, engine oil, and the drain plug.

- Turn on the ignition for short intervals to warm up the oil pickup tube and oil pump.

- Check for any noise coming from the engine and ensure that the oil pressure is stable.

Drain the engine oil into a drain pan and remove the oil filter

To drain the engine oil into a drain pan and remove the oil filter, follow these steps:

Park your vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. If access to the undercarriage is required, you may need to raise the front of the vehicle by driving it onto a ramp or jacking it up and supporting it with jack stands. It is important to never get under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. For added safety, use wheel chocks to prevent the wheels from rolling.

Locate and remove the engine oil dipstick. This will help the oil flow more easily when draining.

Put on safety gear, such as safety glasses, and crawl under the vehicle to locate the engine's oil pan. You can refer to the owner's manual for guidance.

Identify the oil drain plug, which is typically a long bolt head at the bottom of the oil pan. This plug allows the oil to drain out. Some vehicles may have two drain plugs.

Position an approved oil catch pan or drain pan under the drain plug to collect the draining oil. Ensure the pan is large enough to hold the volume of oil expected to drain. Check your owner's manual for the exact volume.

Loosen the drain plug using the appropriate tool, such as a box-end wrench or a 6-point socket. Carefully remove the plug by hand, ensuring the catch pan is positioned correctly underneath the plug hole. The oil will flow rapidly, so caution is advised. Allow sufficient time for all the old oil to drain completely. This process may vary depending on the vehicle, so refer to the owner's manual for detailed information. It is important to note that the oil may be hot, so avoid contact with it to prevent burns.

After draining the oil, wipe the oil pan threads and oil drain plug with a clean rag. Visually inspect the condition of the oil pan, oil drain plug threads, and gasket. If there are any concerns about the condition of the plug, consider buying a replacement. The drain plug gasket may also need to be replaced as per the recommendations in the owner's manual.

Once the oil has finished draining, reinstall the oil drain plug and tighten it securely using the correct tool, following the manufacturer's torque specifications. Again, refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions.

Now, locate the oil filter. Ensure that the old and new oil filters are the same or double-check the application to confirm you have the correct filter. Position an oil catch pan or drain pan under the oil filter to capture any residual oil remaining inside.

Loosen the oil filter or oil filter cap with an oil filter wrench, allowing the oil to drain from the filter.

Remove the oil filter and check if the filter gasket has come off with the filter. If it is still attached to the engine mounting plate, carefully remove it, along with any remaining residue.

Before installing the new oil filter, apply a light coating of new oil on the gasket of the filter. This will help it install smoothly. Install the new oil filter by hand, turning it in a clockwise direction. Tighten the filter according to the directions provided with the filter or in the owner's manual. Typically, this involves turning it by three-quarters to one full turn after the filter gasket makes contact with the mounting plate gasket surface.

Now, you can refill the engine with fresh oil. Remove the oil fill cap and use a funnel to add the correct amount and type of oil as specified in the owner's manual.

Replace the oil fill cap and start the engine, letting it run at idle for at least 30 seconds. Carefully inspect the area under the vehicle for any oil leaks, especially around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are observed, shut off the engine immediately and have the necessary repairs performed.

Finally, shut off the engine and allow it to sit for about 30 seconds to let the oil settle. Check the oil level using the dipstick and add more oil if necessary, following the recommendations in the owner's manual.

Pour a solvent into the engine oil fill and let it sit for a few days

Pouring a solvent into the engine oil fill and letting it sit for a few days is a crucial step in cleaning the oil pump screen without removing the oil pan. Here is a detailed breakdown of this step:

• After draining the engine oil and removing the oil filter, pour a strong fuel cleaner/solvent into the engine oil fill. Berryman B-12 Chemtool or similar products are recommended for this purpose.
• Do not crank or turn on the ignition during this process.
• Allow the solvent to sit in the oil pan for an extended period, typically two days. This gives the solvent time to break down and dissolve sludge, carbon deposits, and other contaminants in the oil pan and around the oil pump screen.
• After the allotted time, drain the solvent from the oil pan.
• Inspect the solvent as it flows out. If it is still dark and sludgy, repeat the process of pouring solvent and letting it sit.
• Continue this process until the solvent drains out clear and free of carbon grit. Rub the discharge between your fingers to ensure no grit remains.

This process may need to be repeated multiple times to effectively clean the oil pump screen and ensure no carbon grit is left behind, which could re-clog the screen.

Drain the solvent and repeat if necessary

After two days, open the drain plug and drain the solvent from the oil pan. The solvent will be dark in colour, indicating that it has been working on the pan and pickup tube. Repeat the process of pouring the solvent into the oil fill and rest it for another two days.

The number of times you need to repeat the process depends on the condition of your oil pickup screen. If the solvent is still very dark after being drained, it means that there is still sludge and carbon grit in the oil pan, and the process needs to be repeated.

It is important to inspect the solvent each time you drain it to determine if the oil pickup screen is clean. Rub the discharge between your fingers and feel for carbon grit. If there is still grit present, it will clog the screen, and you will need to repeat the process.

Inspect the solvent for carbon grit and repeat the process if necessary

Inspecting the solvent for carbon grit is an important step in the process of cleaning an oil pump screen without removing the oil pan. This step helps determine if further cleaning is necessary to ensure the oil pump screen is free of carbon buildup and other contaminants. Here is a detailed guide on this process:

After allowing the solvent to sit in the oil pan for the recommended duration, it is important to carefully drain the solvent from the oil pan. This process should be done with caution, ensuring that the solvent is collected in a suitable container for safe disposal. Once drained, it is crucial to inspect the solvent closely for any signs of carbon grit or dark sludge. This can be done by observing the colour and consistency of the solvent as it flows out and also by rubbing a small amount of the discharged solvent between your fingers. If you feel any grit or notice a dark, sludgy appearance, it indicates that the oil pump screen is still clogged and requires further cleaning.

In such cases, it is necessary to repeat the entire process, starting with reinstalling the drain plug and refilling the oil pan with solvent. Allow the solvent to sit for the same duration as before and then drain it again. Inspect the solvent once more for carbon grit and sludge. This process may need to be repeated multiple times until the solvent drains out clear and free of any grit or sludge. It is important to be thorough in this step to ensure the effective cleaning of the oil pump screen.

Once you have confirmed that the solvent is free of carbon grit and sludge, you can proceed to the next steps in the oil pump screen cleaning process. Remember to always exercise caution when handling solvents and follow the recommended safety guidelines.

Reinstall the oil filter and drain plug, and add engine oil

Now that you have cleaned the oil pump screen, it is time to reinstall the oil filter and drain plug, and add engine oil.

First, take your new oil filter and apply a light coating of oil (from a dab on the end of your finger) all around the rubber gasket on the top of the filter. This will help create a proper seal as you tighten the filter. The same rule applies when installing the filter: Don't screw too hard, but rather turn it until it's "hand tight" and then just a bit more, so it's snug.

Next, replace the drain plug and tighten it until it's snug, but not too much—overtightening can cause damage to the oil pan and drain plug. Put some effort into tightening it, but not all of your strength. There's a tightening torque that the automaker has specified for the bolt to be fastened to using a torque wrench. In any case, do not try to rip off the head of the drain plug. Most vehicles use a washer behind the drain plug that must be replaced when you reinstall the plug (check your owner's manual to see if this washer needs to be replaced).

Once you have replaced the oil filter and drain plug, reinstall your undertray and lower the car back to the ground. Open the hood and remove the oil cap, which should have an oil-can symbol on it. Using a funnel, fill the engine with the manufacturer's indicated volume of oil.

Finally, start the vehicle up and run it for 10 seconds to allow the oil to circulate like normal.

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