Removing Oil Pan From Pt Cruiser: Step-By-Step Guide

Removing the oil pan from a Chrysler PT Cruiser is a complex process that requires a range of tools and a good understanding of car mechanics. The first step is to drain the engine oil and remove the oil filter. This is followed by removing various components such as the accessory drive belt splash shield, structural collar, lower torque strut, oil filter adapter, and gasket. The oil pan and gasket can then be removed and cleaned. It is important to note that the oil pick-up located inside the oil pan must not be damaged during this process. The replacement process involves applying a sealant to the new oil pan and gasket, ensuring proper alignment, and tightening the screws. The oil filter, drain plug, and other parts are then reinstalled, and the engine is refilled with the correct amount of oil.

Drain engine oil and remove the oil filter

To drain the engine oil and remove the oil filter on a PT Cruiser, follow these steps:

First, raise the right front side of the car using a floor jack. Slide under the car to locate the oil pan, oil pan drain plug, and oil filter. Place a drain pan under the drain plug of the oil pan. Ensure that the drain pan is placed just below the tank from where the oil will flow. This will catch the drained oil.

Next, remove the oil pan drain plug using a ratchet set and let the oil drain from the oil pan for about five minutes. After the oil has drained, wipe the drain plug area clean with a paper towel or a clean rag.

Now, you can replace and tighten the drain plug. Connect the oil filter tool to the oil filter and twist in a counter-clockwise motion. Once the oil filter is loose, remove it from the engine.

Always allow the engine to completely cool off before removing the drain plug or oil filter to avoid serious burns from hot engine oil.

Remove the accessory drive belt splash shield

To remove the accessory drive belt splash shield from a PT Cruiser, follow these steps:

First, raise the vehicle using a hoist or jack it up and secure it on jack stands. Next, drain the engine oil and remove the oil filter. Then, remove the push-in fasteners that attach the splash shield to the frame rail forward of the suspension. There are three lower front screws attaching the wheelhouse splash shield to the front fascia; remove these as well. Now you can relocate the splash shield out of the work area.

With the splash shield removed, you can continue with the next steps to remove the oil pan, as outlined in the procedure you provided.

Remove the structural collar

To remove the structural collar from a PT Cruiser, follow these steps:

Raise the Vehicle:

Using a hoist, lift the PT Cruiser to gain access to the underside of the vehicle. This will provide the necessary clearance to work on the structural collar and oil pan.

Remove Attaching Bolts:

Locate the bolts that secure the bending strut to the engine and transaxle. Remove these bolts, taking note of their specific locations and tightening sequence for reassembly.

Remove the Bending Strut:

With the bolts removed, take out the bending strut. This will provide better access to the structural collar and its mounting points.

Remove Collar Bolts:

Now, focus on the structural collar. Remove the bolts that attach the collar to the engine, oil pan, and transaxle. For manual transaxle vehicles, you will also need to remove the bolts attaching the collar to the clutch slave cylinder.

Remove the Structural Collar:

With all the bolts removed, carefully take out the structural collar. Be cautious, as incorrect torque procedures can result in damage to the oil pan, collar, and/or bending strut.

Lower the Vehicle:

Once the structural collar is removed, carefully lower the vehicle. Ensure that the hoist is lowered slowly and steadily to avoid any accidental damage to the vehicle or injury to yourself.

Prepare for Reassembly:

If you plan to reinstall the structural collar, refer to the appropriate diagrams and instructions for the correct bolt tightening sequence and torque specifications. This information can be found in the PT Cruiser service and repair manual.

Remember to follow all safety procedures and refer to the PT Cruiser-specific repair manuals for detailed instructions and illustrations.

Remove the oil filter adapter and gasket

To remove the oil filter adapter and gasket on a PT Cruiser, follow these steps:

First, it is important to place the vehicle on a hoist to elevate it and make it easier to work on. Next, drain the engine oil. This will ensure that the oil does not spill everywhere when you remove the oil filter and adapter. Once the oil is drained, remove the accessory drive belt splash shield, which will give you access to the oil filter housing. Now, you can remove the oil filter. This is usually done by loosening the large nut at the top of the filter with a wrench. Be careful, as there may still be some hot oil in the filter.

With the oil filter removed, you can now access the oil filter adapter and gasket. The adapter is usually held in place by bolts or screws. Remove these, being careful not to drop them into the open oil pan below. Gently pry or tap the adapter to loosen it, and then pull it away from the engine block. The gasket should come away with the adapter, but if not, gently scrape it off with a plastic tool to avoid damaging the engine block.

It is important to clean the oil pan and all gasket surfaces before installing a new gasket and adapter. This will ensure that there is no dirt or debris that could cause leaks.

Clean the oil pan and all gasket surfaces

To clean the oil pan and all gasket surfaces of a PT Cruiser, you must first remove the oil pan. This can be done by following these steps:

• Raise the vehicle using a hoist.
• Drain the engine oil and remove the oil filter.
• Remove the accessory drive belt splash shield.
• Remove the structural collar.
• Remove the lower torque strut.
• Remove the oil filter adapter and gasket.
• Remove the oil pan and gasket.

Once the oil pan is removed, you can start cleaning it:

• Use a plastic or composite scraper to remove large amounts of oil from the flat surfaces of the oil pan. Be careful not to use metal tools as they can damage the soft aluminum surface.
• Spray a detergent that breaks down oil, such as Simple Green, onto the oil pan and wipe it with a shop rag or paper towel. This will help to remove the remaining oil and grime.
• If there are any fins on the oil pan, spray the detergent between them and use the shop rag to push it through.
• Clean the gasket surfaces with a mild abrasive pad or scotch-brite pad. Do not scrub the areas where the oil gasket sits. You can also use a razor blade to clean off any remaining RTV.
• Make sure to clean any residual oil off the gasket surfaces with a suitable solvent such as lacquer thinner or acetone on a clean rag. Avoid using brake cleaner as it may damage the bearings.

It is important to clean the oil pan and gasket surfaces thoroughly to ensure that there are no leaks when the oil pan is reinstalled.

Frequently asked questions