Removing Oil Pan On A 4.7 Dodge: Step-By-Step Guide

Removing the oil pan from a 4.7 Dodge is a complex task that requires careful attention to multiple steps. The process involves raising the engine, draining the oil, and removing various components such as the engine mount bolts, dust cover, and oil pan mounting bolts. It is important to follow the correct procedures to avoid damage and ensure a successful oil pan removal.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is a critical safety precaution when working on your car. It keeps you from getting shocked when working on the engine, electrical, and fuel parts of your vehicle.

Step 1: Turn Off the Car

Start by turning off the engine and removing the key from the ignition. This is an important first step to ensure that the electrical system is inactive.

Step 2: Locate the Battery

The battery is typically located under the hood of your Dodge 4.7. Open the hood and secure it with the hood stand. Most batteries are near the front of the engine, but sometimes they are at the side or underneath another engine component.

Step 3: Identify the Negative Cable

Look for the black cable attached to the battery. There should be two cables, one black (negative) and one red (positive). Do not touch the red cable at this time.

Step 4: Remove the Negative Cable

To remove the negative cable, you may need to squeeze the clamp attached to the battery and wiggle the cable back and forth until it releases. Be careful not to let the cable touch the battery after it is detached, as this could reactivate the electrical system. Hang the cable away from the battery, securing it with tape if necessary.

Step 5: Work on Your Vehicle

With the negative battery cable disconnected, you can now safely proceed with removing the oil pan or performing other maintenance tasks on your Dodge 4.7. Remember to wear safety equipment, such as goggles and gloves, during the process.

Once you have completed the necessary work on your vehicle, you will need to reattach the negative battery cable to the battery. Simply reverse the removal process, ensuring that the cable is securely connected to the battery terminal.

Install engine support fixture

To install an engine support fixture as part of the process of removing the oil pan on a 4.7 Dodge, follow these steps:

Firstly, disconnect the negative battery cable. Then, install the engine support fixture special tool #8534. Do not raise the engine at this time. Loosen both the left and right engine mount through bolts, but do not remove the bolts.

Next, remove the structural dust cover, if your vehicle is equipped with one. Now, drain the engine oil. You will then need to remove the front crossmember.

Caution: Only raise the engine enough to provide clearance for oil pan removal. Check for proper clearance at the fan shroud to the fan, and cowl to the intake manifold.

Now, raise the engine using the special tool to provide clearance to remove the oil pan.

Loosen engine mount bolts

To loosen the engine mount bolts of a 4.7 Dodge, you'll need to follow a few steps. Firstly, it's important to note that you should not raise the engine at the beginning. Disconnect the negative battery cable, and then install an engine support fixture—this is a special tool (#8534).

Now, you can loosen the engine mount bolts. Do this for both the left and right sides, but do not remove the bolts. You may need a long extension and a universal joint to reach the bolts.

At this point, you can drain the engine oil and remove the front crossmember. Only now should you raise the engine, but only enough to provide clearance for the oil pan removal. Be cautious and check for proper clearance at the fan shroud to fan and cowl to intake manifold.

Loosening the engine mount bolts is a crucial step in removing the oil pan of a 4.7 Dodge, as it allows for the necessary movement and clearance to access and remove the oil pan.

Drain engine oil

To drain the engine oil on a 4.7 Dodge, follow these steps:

First, run the engine for at least 10 minutes to warm the oil to normal temperature. Turn off the vehicle and place it on a secure, stable surface. Use a jack and jack stands, or drive the vehicle onto a ramp to raise it off the ground. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use the jacks, jack stands, and ramps.

Locate the engine oil cap on the right side of the engine and unscrew it. This will provide proper ventilation and pressure release when removing the oil. Next, locate the battery under the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench. Place an oil drip pan under the car's oil pan, towards the center of the engine, between the tires.

The oil pan is a large, rectangular metal device. Unscrew the oil plug at the back of the oil pan to drain the oil. This process should take about 10 minutes. Once the oil is drained, remove the oil and dispose of it properly, or reuse it if it's in good condition.

Now, you can begin removing components that are located on or next to the oil pan. These include the starter motor, transmission, flywheel, and transmission adapter plate. Use a wrench to unscrew the bolts holding these components in place.

With these components removed, you can now access the oil pan bolts. Unscrew the bolts located around the outer edge of the oil pan with a wrench. Once the bolts are removed, locate the oil pump suction tube and disconnect it before moving the oil pan. The oil pan will fall off once the tube is removed.

Please note that for Dodge Ram 3.7L, 4.7L, and 5.7L engines, an engine crane is required to hold the engine in place when removing the oil pan. This is a complex task that the manufacturer recommends be performed by a professional.

Remove the front crossmember

To remove the front crossmember of a 4.7 Dodge, you will need to first disconnect the negative battery cable. Then, install an engine support fixture special tool #8534. Do not raise the engine at this stage. Next, loosen both the left and right engine mount through bolts, but do not remove them.

Now, you can begin to remove the front crossmember. First, remove the bolts from the crossmember. Depending on your Dodge model, there may be 7 bolts on each side or 3 vertical bolts and 4 horizontal bolts. Once the bolts are removed, you may need to use a pry bar to gently pry the crossmember down and out. Be careful not to force it, as this can damage the threads in the frame.

With the crossmember removed, you can now access the oil pan and continue with the rest of the oil pan removal process as outlined in the service manual.

Frequently asked questions