Removing Oil Pan On F250 Super Duty: Step-By-Step Guide

The oil pan in a 2008 F250 Super Duty can be replaced without lifting the engine, but it is a challenging task that may require special tools and abilities. The process involves raising the vehicle, draining the oil, and removing the oil pan bolts and gasket. The oil pump screen cover and tube are also accessible once the oil pan is removed. While it is possible to do this job yourself, it is not recommended for casual DIY mechanics due to the complexity and potential risks involved.

Remove the fan shroud

To remove the fan shroud from a 2008 F250 Super Duty, follow these steps:

First, drain some coolant to lower the level below the radiator top tank. Disconnect the radiator hose and degas hose from the radiator and set them aside. Remove the two 8mm screws from the fan shroud and the four 8mm screws on the radiator retaining brackets. Rock the radiator forward to increase clearance for the fan shroud. Push the fan shroud towards the rear of the vehicle and pull it up. Be careful not to damage the two hose connections on the radiator. The shroud will then lift all the way off the vehicle.

For the rear part of the fan shroud, you will need to remove the fan. There are four 15mm bolts, two at the top and two at the bottom. You can remove the fan using an air hammer or special tool wrenches. Then, lift the stator and fan out together.

Alternatively, you can try prying up the small guard with a small screwdriver to carefully remove the fan shroud. Unbolt the fan shroud and radiator hold-down bolts. Jiggle the shroud and tilt the radiator outwards, working the fan shroud out.

Note: Some people choose to cut the fan shroud to remove it, but this is not recommended if you want to keep the fan shroud intact.

Remove the generator

To remove the generator from a 2008 F250 Super Duty, follow these steps:

• Remove the fan shroud by taking out the bolts and positioning it aside.
• Remove the generator.
• Install a 3-Bar Modular Engine Support Bracket using the generator mounting bolts.

These instructions are based on advice from a Ford mechanic and should be carried out with the vehicle raised and supported.

Raise and support the vehicle

To raise and support your F250 Super Duty, you'll first want to obtain a good-quality floor or bottle-type hydraulic jack with a load rating sufficient to safely raise the car. A jack with a 2 or 3-ton capacity is typically enough for most passenger cars.

Park your vehicle on a level, firm surface, such as a driveway, and make sure the transmission is in "Park" with the parking brake fully applied to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Look underneath the vehicle and locate a structural hard point such as a frame rail. Be careful not to place the jack underneath non-structural sheet metal or relatively delicate suspension components. Never place the jack underneath the engine/oil pan. The owner's manual will also usually specify where it's safe to place the jack.

Be sure the jack's pad is centred on the jacking point and gently raise the vehicle to the working height you need. Only raise the vehicle high enough to gain access, as the higher off the ground it is, the less stable it may become as weight shifts.

Once the vehicle is at the desired height, carefully slide a fixed jack stand underneath the frame/hard point and gently lower the hydraulic jack until the weight of the vehicle is on the jack stand. For maximum safety, use jack stands in pairs so that the front or rear end of the vehicle is supported evenly.

Be sure the car is securely supported and stable on the jack stand(s) before you crawl underneath.

Remove the RH motor mount bolt

To remove the RH motor mount bolt, follow these steps:

First, remove the fan shroud. Remove the bolts and position the fan shroud aside. Next, remove the generator. Install a 3-Bar Modular Engine Support Bracket on the engine, using the generator mounting bolts. Now, raise and support the vehicle. Remove the RH motor mount bolt, being careful not to lift the engine too high as this may cause damage to the transmission bell housing.

At this point, you can also remove the LH motor mount bolt if needed. Once the RH bolt is removed, you can then raise the engine using the Three Bar Engine Support and raise the vehicle on the hoist.

It is important to note that when removing the motor mount bolts, you will need to loosen the bolts on the opposite side first. For example, to remove the RH motor mount bolt, loosen the LH motor mount bolt to the frame bracket first. This will provide enough play to allow for the removal of the RH bolt.

Additionally, when working on the motor mounts, it is recommended to also remove the fan shroud and the starter motor to provide more space and avoid damage.

Remove the oil pan bolts

To remove the oil pan bolts of a 2008 F250 Super Duty, follow these steps:

First, make sure you have the necessary tools, including a floor jack, jack stands, an electric drill, a small crescent wrench, and a new oil pan gasket. It is also recommended to have a 1/4 drive ratchet for reinstalling the pan bolts. Additionally, if you encounter any broken bolts, you will need special tools such as a centre punch, hammer, left-handed drill bits, and a tap and die set.

Next, raise the vehicle with the floor jack and secure it with jack stands positioned on the frame away from the oil pan. This will provide you with safe access to the underside of the vehicle.

Now, locate the oil pan attached to the engine block. Before removing the oil pan bolts, it is important to drain the engine oil. Place a container under the drain plug and remove it to allow the oil to drain completely.

Once the oil has been drained, you can proceed to remove the oil pan bolts. Use the correct size socket for the bolts and break them loose with a ratchet. If the bolts are particularly tight or difficult to remove, you may need to apply penetrating fluid and allow it to soak for some time before attempting to loosen them again. Make sure to use the right torque and be careful not to over-tighten the bolts, as this can lead to cross-threading or breakage.

If you encounter any broken bolts, you will need to use the special tools mentioned earlier. Start by punching a small dimple in the centre of the exposed end of the broken bolt using the centre punch and hammer. This will help with removal and prevent damage to the threads in the engine block. Then, using the electric drill set to reverse rotation and a small left-handed drill bit, attempt to unscrew the broken bolt. If this doesn't work, slowly drill into the bolt with increasingly larger drill bits until most of it has been removed. Finally, insert a screw extractor into the drilled hole and rotate it counterclockwise with the small crescent wrench to completely remove the bolt.

After removing all the oil pan bolts, you can proceed to detach the oil pan from the engine block. Be cautious when removing the oil pan gasket, as it may be reusable if it is not damaged.

Frequently asked questions