Repairing A Ripped Oil Pan Gasket In A Foxbody Mustang

If you're looking to repair a ripped oil pan gasket on your Foxbody Mustang, you're in for a challenging task. This job typically requires jacking up the engine and removing the oil pan, which can be a tight fit and may involve some creative maneuvering. Some mechanics recommend removing the steering rack to gain more clearance. It's also important to drain the oil and scrape off the old gasket completely, taking care not to let debris fall into the oil pan. While it's possible to do this repair yourself, it can be time-consuming and physically demanding, so having an extra set of hands can be helpful.

Jack up the engine and snake out the pan

Jacking up the engine of a Foxbody Mustang and snaking out the pan is a challenging task. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, place your Mustang on jack stands and remove the two engine mount bolts and the two transmission mount bolts. This will provide you with more space to work with when unbolting the oil pan. It is also recommended to remove the fan and fan shroud for additional clearance. If you have a removable K-member, this can also be taken out to make the process easier.

Now, carefully jack up the engine, using a wooden block under the oil pan for support. Ensure you watch for any components that might bind and any hoses or electrical wiring that may need to be disconnected during this process. You may also need to jack up the rear of the transmission to gain the required clearance.

Once the engine is raised, scrape the pan mating surfaces clean. It is important to remove any remnants of the old gasket as these can cause leaks.

At this stage, you should have enough room to manoeuvre the gasket. You can either snake the new gasket in from the bottom or, if there is sufficient space, slip it in from the side. If you choose the latter method, you will need to reach into the pan and slip the gasket around the oil pickup.

Finally, carefully lower the engine back into place, ensuring everything is securely bolted before finishing up.

Remove the steering rack

To remove the steering rack as part of repairing a ripped oil pan gasket on a Foxbody Mustang, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that removing the steering rack is not a simple task and requires some force and expertise. It is also not strictly necessary, but it will give you more room to work with.

Now, to the task at hand. You will need to start by loosening the power steering rack from the K-member. You can do this by using a pry bar to get some leverage between the rack and the K-member. You may also need to use a hammer to tap the rack out. Be sure to have liberally sprayed the area with penetrating lube first.

Once the rack is loose, you can pull it out. You may need to attach a heavy-duty string or rope to the U-joint in the steering column and give it a firm pull. This should help you remove the steering rack from the Foxbody Mustang.

Now that the steering rack is out of the way, you can continue with the rest of the steps to repair the ripped oil pan gasket. This may include jacking up the engine, removing the oil pan, and installing a new gasket.

Remove the fan and shroud

To remove the fan and shroud from your Fox Body Mustang, you'll need to set aside some time and have a few tools at the ready. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

First, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a drill or screwdriver, and safety equipment like gloves and eye protection. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any accidental electrical discharges. Next, remove the radiator cover for better access.

Now, you'll want to remove the fan shroud. Start by loosening the bolts that secure the fan shroud to the radiator. Typically, there are two bolts, but your model may vary. Once loosened, carefully pull the fan shroud up and position it out of the way. If your fan is a belt-driven model, you'll need to release the tension on the belt and carefully push the fan towards the radiator to free it from the water pump shaft.

With the fan shroud out of the way, you can now focus on the fan itself. Disconnect the overflow tank line from the top of the radiator and set it aside. Next, drain the coolant from the radiator to avoid spills and messes. You'll need to remove the hose clamps and disconnect the radiator hoses from the thermostat housing. With the hoses removed, you can now take out the thermostat housing. It's a good idea to clean the intake manifold at this point.

At this stage, the fan and shroud should be ready to lift out. Ensure you dispose of the coolant appropriately and safely. Now you can begin the installation of your new fan and shroud, or make any necessary repairs or modifications.

Remember to consult a qualified mechanic or a detailed repair manual for your Mustang if you need further clarification or if your model has unique specifications.

Drain the oil

To drain the oil from a Fox Body Mustang, you'll need to first jack up the car to access the drain plugs and oil filter. Place an oil pan or container underneath the car to catch the oil. The Mustang has two drain plugs, front and rear.

First, drain the oil from the rear. Loosen and remove the rear bolt with a 16mm wrench and let the oil drain until it's a slow drip. Reinstall the drain plug. Repeat this process for the front drain plug.

Next, locate the oil filter and place the oil pan underneath to catch any oil that might drip from the filter. Unscrew the oil filter by turning it counter-clockwise. Keep the old filter facing up as you remove it to prevent excess oil from leaking.

Loosen the motor mounts

To loosen the motor mounts, you will need to drain the oil and then loosen the motor mounts. You can then jack up the engine to give you more room to work with when unbolting the oil pan. Place two blocks of wood under the motor mounts so the jack isn't in the way.

Loosen all the oil pan bolts and check how far the pan drops down. If it doesn't drop far enough, try jacking the engine up a little more. You will need enough room to manoeuvre the gasket.

You can get a one-piece gasket from Fel-Pro that comes with four gasket support screws to hold the gasket up and in place, allowing you to lift the pan and get some bolts in.

You will need to snake the gasket over the oil pan from the bottom or, if there is enough room, slip it in from the side. If you do this, you will then have to reach into the pan and slip it around the oil pickup.

Alternatively, you could try a piece-together gasket set.

Frequently asked questions