Emilie Meyer
Oil pan savers are used to seal oil pans when the plug is damaged or missing. They are usually installed by oil change places when they cross-thread or drop the plug while changing the oil. Oil pan savers can be removed by unscrewing them and using a magnet to guide the toggle towards the drain. A screwdriver with a magnet can then be used to manoeuvre one end of the toggle out of the drain hole. However, removing an oil pan saver can be challenging, and it is recommended to have a replacement drain plug or another oil pan saver before attempting the removal.
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What You'll Learn
Understanding what a pan saver is
A pan saver is a device used to seal an oil pan when there is an issue with the drain plug. It is not a permanent solution and is often used as a quick fix by oil change places when they cross-thread or drop the plug while changing the oil.
The pan saver is installed by folding the barbed toggle against the threaded rod and inserting it into the drain hole. The toggle is slightly larger than the opening, so it must be pushed through forcefully. Once it is in place, the cap is screwed onto the pan to seal the drain. This prevents the oil from leaking out and allows the oil change to continue without addressing the underlying issue with the drain plug.
Pan savers are often considered "nefarious" because they are used as a temporary solution without informing the car owner. The expectation is that the car owner will have to deal with the issue at a later date, potentially resulting in higher repair costs. In some cases, the pan saver itself can cause further problems, such as falling out while driving and causing a sudden drop in oil pressure, which can damage the engine.
Due to the nature of their installation, removing a pan saver can be challenging. It often requires a strong grip and specialized tools, such as needlenose pliers or a vice grip. In some cases, the pan saver may need to be unscrewed, and if the pan is made of aluminium or other nonferrous materials, a magnet can be used to guide the toggle out of the drain hole. It is important to have a replacement drain plug or another pan saver on hand before attempting to remove the existing one.
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Using a screwdriver and magnet to remove it
If you're looking to remove an oil pan saver, you've got your work cut out for you. This is a challenging task and there are a few different methods you can try. One method that might work for you is using a screwdriver and a magnet.
Firstly, you need to check the material of your oil pan. If it's made of aluminium or another nonferrous material, a magnet won't stick to it. In this case, you'll need to start by unscrewing the pan saver until the two halves separate. Then, take a strong magnet and guide the toggle towards the drain from beneath.
Now, for the screwdriver part. Take a strong magnet and attach it to the shaft of your screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver blade into the drain hole, maneuvering the magnet to attach to one end of the toggle. This will allow you to pull the toggle out of the drain hole and get a grip on it with your fingers.
Make sure you have a firm grip on the toggle with a pair of needlenose pliers or a needlenose vice grip. Give it a good tug, and the pan saver should come right off. It's important to have a replacement drain plug or another pan saver ready before you start this process.
It's worth noting that some sources advise against using a screwdriver to separate the oil pan from the block, as it may damage the mating surface. Instead, they recommend using a special separator tool or a putty knife to avoid scratching.
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Removing a broken pan saver
Identifying the Problem:
Before attempting any repairs, it is crucial to understand the issue at hand. A pan saver is typically used when the oil drain plug is damaged or cross-threaded, serving as a temporary solution to prevent oil leaks. However, if the pan saver itself becomes broken or needs to be removed for other reasons, it can be challenging to unscrew or detach.
Gathering the Necessary Tools:
To remove a broken pan saver, you will need a set of locking grips or locking pliers, a metal coat hanger, and a strong magnet. Additionally, a screwdriver and a pair of needlenose pliers or vice grips can be useful. Ensure you have these tools ready before starting the removal process.
Initial Steps:
Begin by using the locking grips or pliers to try and undo the broken plug. This may require some force, but be careful not to strip the threads further. If the pan saver is stubborn and refuses to budge, you may need to try alternative methods.
Alternative Removal Technique:
If the locking grips are unsuccessful, you can attempt a creative approach. Take a metal coat hanger, cut it down, and fold it to create hooks at both ends. Push one end of the hanger through the hole, hook it over the locking wings of the pan saver, and pull back carefully. This technique may require some patience and practice, but it can effectively close the locking wings, allowing them to fit back through the hole. Be cautious during this process, as unscrewing too far can cause the wings to fall off into the pan, leading to potential engine damage.
Magnet Technique for Non-Ferrous Pans:
If your oil pan is made of aluminum or other nonferrous materials (where a magnet won't stick), you may need to employ a different strategy. In this case, continue unscrewing the pan saver until the two halves separate. Then, use a strong magnet to guide the toggle toward the drain from beneath. Attach the magnet to a screwdriver shaft and insert it into the hole to maneuver one end of the toggle out of the drain hole. Once you have a grip on it with the needlenose pliers or vice grips, give it a firm tug, and the pan saver should come right off.
Precautions and Final Thoughts:
Before attempting any of these methods, ensure you have a replacement drain plug or another pan saver as a backup. Additionally, always be cautious when working with vehicles, as oil leaks and engine damage can occur if the process is not handled carefully.
Remember to consult a professional mechanic if you feel uncomfortable performing these tasks yourself. They can provide expert advice and guidance to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
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Re-threading the pan saver
Once the cleaning and inspection are done, you can proceed with the re-threading process. One option is to use a thread repair kit, which is considered the best way to restore oil pan drain hole threads. These kits typically include a tap to enlarge the diameter of the oil drain hole. Choose the correct size tap for your specific oil pan, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for enlarging the hole.
After enlarging the hole, take a washer and place it onto the new oil drain plug. This washer will help create a tight seal and prevent leaks. Screw in the new oil drain plug into the enlarged hole, ensuring that it is tight and secure.
If the damage to the oil pan is more extensive, you may need to drill, tap, and install a HeliCoil. A HeliCoil is a type of thread insert that can repair damaged threads. You can also consider tapping, inserting a HeliCoil, and cold welding a drain valve into the pan.
It is important to note that re-threading the pan saver is a complex process, and seeking the help of a professional mechanic is advisable if you are uncomfortable with any of the steps or unsure about the severity of the damage.
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Replacing the oil pan
Once the oil pan has been identified as the source of the leak, the next step is to obtain the appropriate oil pan gasket replacement. Gasket materials vary depending on the type of metal they are intended to seal. While the oil is draining, remove the splash shield and bell housing cover. In front-wheel-drive vehicles, the oil pan is often mated to the transaxle, so accessories may need to be detached.
A service manual can be very helpful in identifying all oil-pan bolt locations, as some may be obscured behind other parts. Once all the bolts have been removed, the pan can be dropped. If necessary, tap it lightly with a mallet to break the seal, but be careful not to bend or crack the pan. Scrape off any gasket residue and clean all sealing surfaces with a solvent. Also, clean the inside of the oil pan and inspect it for cracks.
Finally, install the new gasket according to its instructions. This may involve using regular grease or thread sealer to hold it in position. Torque the oil pan bolts to spec in a spiral pattern, starting in the centre.
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Frequently asked questions
Oil pan savers are used to seal your pan when the oil change place strips the threads and can't put the plug back in. To remove the pan saver, you can try unscrewing it and using a magnet to guide the toggle toward the drain. Then, use a screwdriver with a magnet on it to manoeuvre one end of the toggle out of the drain hole and use a pair of needlenose pliers to grip and tug it out.
Using an oil pan saver long-term may result in oil leaks, which can be catastrophic for your car's engine.
Some alternatives to using an oil pan saver include rethreading the pan, using a heli-coil, or replacing the oil pan entirely.
