Protecting Oil Pan: Lifting Safely And Efficiently

Lifting a car by the oil pan is not recommended. The oil pan is one of the most vulnerable parts of a car and is often damaged by tall speed bumps or poor shocks. It is preferable to use a floor jack on the frame rails, pinch weld, or front jack point of a car. If you need to lift the engine, use a jack with a block of wood to distribute the load.

Use a board or plate to distribute the load

When lifting a vehicle, it is important to protect the oil pan from damage. One way to do this is by using a board or plate to distribute the load. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this effectively:

Firstly, it is important to select an appropriate board or plate. The material should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the vehicle without bending or breaking. Common materials used include metal or wood. The size of the board or plate should also be considered, ensuring that it is large enough to cover the oil pan and distribute the weight across a wider surface area.

Before placing the board or plate, it is crucial to clean the surface of the oil pan to ensure that no debris or dirt can cause damage during the lifting process. Once the surface is clean, carefully position the board or plate directly over the oil pan. Ensure that it is centred and secure, reducing the risk of shifting or movement during the lift.

When preparing to lift the vehicle, ensure that the lifting equipment is positioned correctly. The lifting points should be aligned with the board or plate, distributing the weight evenly. This process may require additional equipment, such as jack stands or jack pads, to stabilise the load and protect the vehicle's underbody.

During the lifting process, it is important to monitor the stability of the board or plate. Ensure that it remains securely in place and has not shifted or become dislodged. If any issues are identified, stop the lifting process and adjust the setup to ensure the safety of the vehicle and those involved.

By following these steps, you can effectively distribute the load using a board or plate, protecting the oil pan from potential damage during the lifting process. This method helps to spread the weight across a larger surface area, reducing the pressure on the oil pan and minimising the risk of damage or deformation.

Lift at the edges, seams, or mounting flange

When lifting an engine, it is not advisable to lift at the oil pan. If you need to lift the engine, it is best to use a jack to lift at the edges, seams, or mounting flange of the oil pan. This will help distribute the load and reduce the risk of damage to the oil pan. Even then, it is recommended to use a board or plate between the pan and the jack to further distribute the load.

When lifting an engine, it is crucial to pay attention and work slowly. If you are not getting the desired result, such as the jack pumping up but the engine not moving, stop and reassess. You may be applying force in the wrong place and risking damage to the oil pan or other engine components.

It is also important to note that lifting the entire car using the oil pan is not recommended. This can cause dents or other damage to the oil pan, which can lead to oil leaks and potential engine issues. Always use the designated jack points and jack stands when lifting a car to ensure safety and avoid damage to the vehicle.

Avoid lifting the whole car by the oil pan

Lifting a car by the oil pan is not recommended. The oil pan is not designed to withstand the weight of the car and can be damaged. This can lead to oil leaks and other serious issues.

If you need to lift the car, it is best to use a jack or jack stands and place them on the recommended lift points, usually the frame rails or pinch welds. If you are unsure about the lift points, refer to the owner's manual or seek advice from a professional.

In some cases, it may be necessary to lift the engine to access certain components. Even then, it is not advisable to use the oil pan as the sole point of lift. Instead, use a block of wood or another sturdy object to distribute the load and prevent damage to the oil pan.

It is also important to note that lifting an engine requires extreme caution. If possible, use an engine hoist or a strut tower brace-style engine holder to support the engine from above. Alternatively, a tall non-hydraulic jack can be placed under the crank balancer as a temporary solution.

By following these precautions, you can avoid potential damage to the oil pan and other critical components of the vehicle.

Use a cherry picker or strut tower brace-style engine holder from above

When removing an engine with a cherry picker, you will need to decide where to attach the chains from the picker. You can use the four #8 bolts that hold the aluminium support bracket between the intake manifold and the heads. Alternatively, you can use the engine's lifting eye, or run a chain or towing strap under the exhaust manifolds.

When using a cherry picker, it is important to use a heavy-duty chain. Trailer security chains with hooks on both ends are a good option, as they are strong enough to handle a 5-600-pound engine. Always ensure that the engine is secure and cannot come loose during the process.

When attaching the chain, use a minimum of grade 5 bolts. Don't use bolts that bottom out in the hole, as this provides more potential for bending or breaking. At the same time, don't use a bolt that is too short. You need at least two times the bolt diameter of thread engagement for a safe engine pick.

When it comes to lifting the engine, you may need to tilt it front or back to clear immovable obstacles. This can be done with a single chain lift by setting the hoist hook on the chain between two bolts, but it can be tricky. Another option is to use a levelling lift, which uses two chains and four pick points on the engine, allowing you to tilt the engine as needed.

Install a heavy-duty skid plate

One way to protect your oil pan when lifting is to install a heavy-duty skid plate. This will protect your oil pan from rocks and other off-road hazards that could potentially damage it.

Skid plates can be installed on almost any 4x4 with an exposed oil pan. They are relatively simple modifications, and can be created and installed by the vehicle owner, or bought pre-made.

If you are creating your own skid plate, you will need to cut and bend steel to conform to the shape of the oil pan. You will also need to ensure that the bolt holes are on an even plain, as oil pan leaks can occur if the bolt holes become recessed due to over-tightening. Once the skid plate has been created, it can be glued to the oil pan using silicone, which has tremendous surface tension and will act as a shock absorber if the skid plate is struck.

If you would prefer to buy a pre-made skid plate, there are several options available for different makes and models of Jeep Wrangler, as well as other off-road vehicles. These skid plates are constructed from heavy-duty materials such as steel and aluminium and are designed to protect the oil pan and transmission from damage.

Frequently asked questions