Draining Water: Oil Pan Maintenance 101

Water in your engine oil can cause serious problems for your car, including corrosion, rust, and reduced engine power. It can even destroy your engine if not addressed. Water usually ends up in the engine oil due to condensation, coolant leaks, or human error. While there are some quick fixes to this issue, such as using kerosene to push the water out, the best course of action is to consult a trusted mechanic to properly diagnose and address the problem.

Drain oil and remove the oil pan

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

First, park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. If necessary, you can raise the front of the vehicle by driving it onto a ramp or jacking it up, ensuring it is securely supported. It is important to never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Next, locate the engine oil dipstick and remove it to help the oil flow when draining. Put on safety glasses and crawl under the vehicle to locate the engine's oil pan, which can be found by referring to the owner's manual.

The oil drain plug is a long bolt head at the bottom of the pan, allowing oil to drain out. Some vehicles have two drain plugs. Position an approved oil catch pan under the drain plug to collect the oil. Ensure the catch pan is large enough to hold the volume of oil expected to drain; you can check the expected volume in your owner's manual.

Loosen the drain plug using a box-end wrench or 6-pt. socket, then carefully remove the plug by hand. Make sure the catch pan is in place to collect the oil, which will flow rapidly. Allow several minutes for all the oil to drain. It is important to note that the oil may be hot.

Once the oil has finished draining, wipe the oil pan threads and oil drain plug with a rag. Visually inspect the condition of the oil pan, drain plug threads, and gasket. If there are any concerns, buy a replacement drain plug. If needed, replace the drain plug gasket (some OEMs recommend this). Reinstall the oil drain plug and tighten it with the correct tool to the manufacturer-specified torque, as specified in the owner's manual.

Now, you can locate and remove the oil filter. Again, use an oil catch pan to collect any residual oil remaining inside the filter. Loosen the oil filter or oil filter cap with an oil filter wrench, allowing the oil to drain. Check that the filter gasket has come off with the filter; if it is still attached, remove it along with any remaining residue.

Finally, you can reinstall the oil pan. Place a light coating of new oil on the gasket of the new oil filter to ensure a smooth installation. Install the new oil filter by hand, turning it in a clockwise direction. Tighten the filter according to the directions for your specific application, usually found on the new oil filter or oil filter box. Typically, this is three-quarters to one full turn after the filter gasket contacts the engine.

These instructions provide a general guide for draining oil and removing the oil pan. For specific instructions, refer to your vehicle's owner's or service manual, and always use extreme caution when lifting or jacking any vehicle.

Use seafoam to displace moisture in the crankcase

Seafoam Motor Treatment is a petroleum-based product that can be used to displace moisture in the crankcase. It is safe to use in all types of gasoline or diesel engines. It is not a harsh solvent or full of chemical additives and will not harm engine components, seals, gaskets, catalytic converters, or oxygen sensors.

To use Seafoam to displace moisture in the crankcase, first determine the engine's crankcase oil capacity. This information can be found in the vehicle's owner's manual. One can of Sea Foam Motor Treatment treats approximately 16 litres of oil. Next, remove the oil filler cap and pour 30ml of Sea Foam Motor Treatment for every litre of oil in the crankcase. Do not exceed one treatment per oil change interval.

It is recommended to add Sea Foam to the crankcase 150 to 450 kilometres before changing the oil and filter. This allows the Sea Foam time to circulate and clean, as well as giving any reliquefied deposits time to drain away with the old oil. While Sea Foam can be added at any time between oil changes, adding it before an oil change ensures that any displaced moisture will be removed from the crankcase when the old oil is drained.

Sea Foam Motor Treatment helps to liquefy petroleum residues and deposits that restrict flow and lubrication. It also cleans internal engine parts, prevents sludge, and dissolves and removes harmful deposits throughout the crankcase, including diesel soot residues. By using Sea Foam to displace moisture in the crankcase, you can help improve engine performance and longevity.

Use kerosene to push water out

Kerosene can be used to push water out of your oil pan. This method can be used instead of removing the oil pan, which can be a tedious task.

To start, pour some kerosene into the oil pan. The kerosene will push the water out, and you can then chase the kerosene with some oil. This process is much simpler than removing the oil pan, and it is also effective in removing water.

It is important to note that kerosene is not the only substance that can be used for this purpose. Seafoam, diesel, and ATF oil are also viable options for displacing water from the crankcase. These substances can be added to the oil and allowed to run for a specified time before draining and refilling with fresh oil and a new filter.

However, using kerosene or diesel may be more cost-effective if you need to repeat the procedure, as these substances are typically cheaper than Seafoam. Additionally, keep in mind that regardless of the substance used, you may need to replace your bearings in the future as coolant acids are detrimental to bearing surfaces.

Check for a non-watertight seal

To check for a non-watertight seal, you must first clean the engine with a degreaser. When the 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 oil pan gasket is sandwiched between the engine block and the oil pan. The gasket acts as a seal, preventing oil from leaking from between the two components. In many cases, the oil pan gasket will simply wear out over time and begin to leak around the edges of the oil pan.

If you are experiencing leaks, you must first confirm that the oil pan is the source of the leak. To do this, clean the entire oily area with a degreaser and allow it to dry. Then, spray white foot powder or an equivalent substance all over the suspected leak area. Start the engine and stay clear of moving and hot parts. You should be able to spot the leak right away.

If the oil pan is indeed the source of the leak, you will need to replace the oil pan gasket. Before doing so, check the oil pan for metal shavings, clean out all sludge, and inspect for cracks. When installing the new gasket, be sure to follow the instructions that come with the replacement. Some gaskets require the use of sealants or chemicals.

Check for a blown intake gasket

A blown intake gasket can wreak havoc on an otherwise healthy car engine, but the symptoms can be difficult to detect for those unfamiliar with engine performance. The good news is that there are a number of ways to check for a blown intake gasket. Here are some detailed steps to help you identify a faulty intake manifold gasket:

Check for Coolant Leaks

One of the most common signs of a blown intake gasket is coolant leakage. Coolant may seep out of the broken gasket and drip onto the road or your driveway. Look for orange coolant under the frame of your car. A bad leak will result in a large puddle, while a small leak may only cause a few spots. Coolant may also flow through the gasket to the inside of the engine and mix with the oil.

Check the Oil

To check for this, pull out the oil dipstick and examine it. Oil mixed with coolant will have a thick, milky, or frothy consistency and may leave a milky ring around the oil cap. You can also check the oil by draining it from the oil pan and looking for a milky colour, which indicates the presence of coolant.

Check the Radiator

A blown gasket will allow air into the cooling system, causing a frothy or foamy mixture in the radiator. Remove the radiator cap and start the car, then let it warm up and rev the engine. If you see air bubbles rising from the radiator, this is a sign of a blown gasket.

Check for Engine Overheating

Chronic engine overheating is a common symptom of a blown gasket. Your engine temperature gauge should not be in the red zone, as this may indicate a coolant leak. Turn off the car and let the engine cool down, then open the hood and remove the coolant overflow tank cap. If you hear a pop, this indicates that the cooling system has remained pressurised, suggesting a possible blown gasket.

Check for Engine Misfires or Sluggish Performance

A blown gasket can cause engine misfires, where one or more cylinders fail to produce combustion. This will lead to poor fuel economy and other issues. A damaged gasket may also cause difficulty in accelerating due to air leaking out of the intake manifold, resulting in reduced engine air pressure.

Check for Whistling or Sucking Noises

Listen for unusual noises such as whistling or sucking sounds, which could indicate that air is being pulled through the leaky gasket by the engine. While the car is in "Park," you may also feel a slight rocking or tremor as the engine idles.

Check the Temperature Gauge

Keep an eye on your dashboard's temperature gauge. If your engine is consistently overheating, it could be a sign of a blown gasket.

Check the Exhaust

Examine the exhaust for excessive white smoke or water drops. Sweet-smelling white smoke coming from a warmed-up engine is a telltale sign of a coolant leak, which is often caused by a blown gasket.

Check the Spark Plugs

Pull out the spark plugs and inspect them carefully. The presence of oil or coolant residue on the tips of the spark plugs is a strong indication of a blown gasket.

Check the Engine Coolant

If you find yourself frequently adding coolant to the system without any visible leaks, it could be a sign that the coolant is leaking into the engine. This can cause excessive smoke or a milky colour in the oil.

Run a Compression Test

While more complicated, this test is highly effective. You'll need to pull the spark plugs and check for coolant or oil residue. A blown gasket will result in a drop in compression in the affected combustion chamber due to the cylinder's inability to fully seal.

Remember, a blown intake gasket can lead to serious engine problems. If you suspect a blown gasket, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safe operation of your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions