
Removing the oil pan from an 18-horsepower Onan engine is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. While some people have shared their experiences and offered advice on how to remove the oil pan without completely removing the motor, others have emphasised the difficulty and recommended acquiring a hoist or pulley system to make the process more manageable. In addition to the necessary equipment, it is crucial to have flexible arms and carefully follow the steps to avoid leaks and ensure a successful outcome.
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What You'll Learn

Using a jack to lift the motor
To remove the oil pan on an 18-horse Onan engine, you will need to lift the motor. This can be done using a jack, and the following steps will guide you through the process:
Firstly, place a jack under the oil pan. It is recommended to use a block of wood between the pan and the jack to provide a stable base and protect the pan from any potential damage. Lift the motor until it is as high as it can go, ensuring that the transmission is touching the top of the transmission tunnel.
Once the motor is lifted, place blocks of wood between the motor mounts and the brackets to secure it in place. This step is crucial to ensure the engine remains stable and does not shift during the oil pan removal process. With the engine securely lifted, you can now proceed to drain the oil.
It is important to note that you will need to remove the starter to access all the oil pan bolts. There may be bolts located in a back right corner that will require the starter to be removed to access them. Once all the bolts are removed, you can slide the oil pan out. However, you may need to turn the crank to ensure it clears the oil pan when sliding it back.
Additionally, some people have suggested using eye bolts to lift the motor. Specifically, 3/8ths x 16 thread eye bolts with fender washers and nuts threaded into the block via the head bolt holes. This method provides an alternative way to securely lift the motor and remove the oil pan.
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Draining the oil
Before beginning, ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment, including a jack, blocks of wood, eye bolts, fender washers, and nuts, and a suitable oil drain pan. It is also recommended to have a hoist or pulley system available to make the process easier and safer.
First, place the engine in a stable and secure position. If possible, tip the engine onto its side, providing easier access to the oil pan. Place the jack under the oil pan, and use blocks of wood between the pan and jack to provide a stable base. This step is crucial to ensure the engine is securely supported during the draining process.
Next, lift the motor using the jack until it reaches its maximum height. At this point, you should place additional blocks of wood between the motor mounts and the brackets to maintain stability. With the engine securely raised, you can now begin the process of draining the oil.
Position your oil drain pan below the oil pan drain plug. Remove the drain plug using the appropriate tool, being careful not to strip the threads. Allow the oil to drain completely, ensuring that it flows smoothly into the drain pan. This process may take several minutes, depending on the amount of oil in the engine.
Once the oil has finished draining, replace the drain plug securely. You can now proceed with removing the oil pan by undoing the oil pan bolts. It is important to note that you may need to remove the starter to access all the bolts easily. With the bolts removed, carefully slide the oil pan out from under the engine.
Throughout the process, it is essential to prioritize safety and cleanliness. Ensure you are wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and have a fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution. Additionally, have absorbent rags or materials ready to wipe up any spilled oil promptly.
By following these steps, you can effectively and safely drain the oil from your 18-horsepower Onan engine, setting the stage for further maintenance or repairs as needed.
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Removing the bolts
To remove the bolts, you will need to first place a jack under the oil pan. Place a block of wood between the pan and jack to protect the pan and provide a secure base. Now, lift the motor until it is as high as it can go. You can use blocks of wood or eye bolts to secure the motor at this height. Once the motor is lifted, you can begin to drain the oil.
After draining the oil, you can start to undo the oil pan bolts. You will need to remove the starter to access the three bolts in the back right corner. Once all the bolts are removed, you can slide the oil pan out. However, you will need to turn the crank 180 degrees to clear the oil pan when sliding it back.
It is important to note that some people recommend using a hoist or pulley system to hold the engine up while you work. This can help to prevent any stress on the engine and make it easier to access the oil pan.
Additionally, you may need to remove other components, such as the exhaust, distributor, and motor mount bolts, to provide better access to the oil pan and its bolts. Always refer to the service manual for your specific model and serial number for the most accurate information.
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Turning the crank
To turn the crank, you will need to first lift the motor. This can be done by placing a jack under the oil pan with a block of wood between the pan and jack. Lift the motor until it is as high as it can go. Once the motor is lifted, place blocks of wood between the motor mounts and the brackets. After the blocks are set, drain the oil and start to undo the oil pan bolts.
The starter will need to be removed to access the three bolts in the back right corner. Once all the bolts are removed, turn the crank 180 degrees so that it clears the oil pan when sliding it back. It is important to note that you will need something to hold the engine up after you have raised it enough to pull the pan. This can be done with a hoist or pulley system.
If you have flexible arms, you can check the oil level by dropping the pan down enough to reach in and feel around. The pickup should still be attached, and the screen should be clear. If not, the motor will need to come out. It is recommended to get a hoist to avoid stressing the engine.
Another method to lift the motor is to use two 3/8ths x 16 thread eye bolts with fender washers and nuts threaded into the block via the head bolt holes. Then, use a trailer safety chain with J-hooks to lift the motor.
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Using a hoist or pulley system
Removing the oil pan from an 18-horsepower Onan engine can be a challenging task, but it is doable with the right tools and precautions. One of the recommended methods for this process is to use a hoist or pulley system, which provides stability and control during the removal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove the oil pan using this method:
Before beginning, ensure you have the necessary safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and that you are working in a well-ventilated area. Place the engine in a stable and secure position, preferably on a flat, level surface, to ensure it doesn't shift or move during the process. It is crucial to have a clear and unobstructed workspace to avoid any potential hazards.
The first step is to raise the engine slightly using a jack or a similar lifting mechanism. Place a block of wood between the oil pan and the jack to distribute the pressure evenly and prevent damage to the pan. Lift the engine until it is just high enough to access the oil pan bolts and the trans is touching the top of the trans tunnel. This step may require some adjustments to find the ideal height.
Once the engine is raised, place blocks of wood between the motor mounts and the brackets to secure it in place. This step is crucial to ensure the engine doesn't shift or move during the oil pan removal process. With the engine securely raised and blocked, you can begin to drain the oil. Place a suitable container underneath the drain plug and remove the plug to allow the oil to drain completely. Ensure that you dispose of the used oil responsibly at a designated location or recycling centre.
After draining the oil, you can start removing the oil pan bolts. Depending on your engine configuration, you may need to remove additional components, such as the starter, to access all the bolts. Be methodical in your approach, and keep the bolts organised to facilitate easier reassembly. With all the bolts removed, you can now slide the oil pan out. You may need to turn the crank to a specific position, such as 180 degrees, to ensure the oil pan clears any obstructions during removal. Take your time during this step to avoid any damage to surrounding components.
Throughout the process, it is important to refer to the service manual for your specific Onan engine model. The manual will provide detailed instructions and torque specifications for reassembly, ensuring that you correctly torque the bolts and avoid any leaks. Additionally, having a helper during this process can make it easier to manage the weight of the engine and manoeuvre the oil pan during removal and installation.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a jack to lift the motor until the trans is touching the top of the trans tunnel. Then, place blocks of wood between the motor mounts and the brackets, drain the oil, and start to undo the oil pan bolts. You will need to remove the starter to access the three bolts in the back right corner. Once all the bolts are removed, slide the oil pan back and turn the crank 180 degrees to clear the oil pan.
You will need a jack, blocks of wood, and a tool to undo the oil pan bolts. You may also need a hoist or pulley system to hold the engine up while you work.
Lift the engine using a jack and blocks of wood, as described above. Once the engine is lifted, place a drain pan under the oil plug and remove the plug to allow the oil to drain.











































