Replacing Srt4 Neon Oil Pan Gasket: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the oil pan gasket on a Dodge Neon SRT4 is a relatively straightforward process, but it can be messy and requires careful attention to avoid damage. The first step is to drain the oil and remove the oil filter. Next, access the turbo by removing the intake and loosening the clamp on the hot pipe. Detach the hot pipe from the intercooler and oil pan. Remove the structural collar by taking out the bolts holding the power steering lines and the bracket. With the collar removed, the oil adapter can be taken out, followed by the oil pan itself. Be cautious when removing the oil pan to avoid bending or cracking it. Clean the oil pan and inspect it for cracks before installing a new gasket. Reattach the oil pan, torque the bolts to the specified tension, and refill the crankcase with oil.

Detect oil leaks by cleaning the engine with a degreaser

To replace the oil pan gasket on a Dodge SRT4 Neon, you must first drain the oil and remove the oil filter. You will then need to gain access to the hot pipe, which may involve removing the battery. Loosen the clamp to the hot pipe going to the turbo, and then go back under the car and loosen the clamp to the other side of the hot pipe going to the intercooler. You will then need to remove the two bolts holding the hot pipe to the oil pan.

Now, the fun part. You can't just drop the oil pan straight down, as it is joined to the bell housing by a structural collar. Before removing the collar, you will need to remove the two bolts holding the power steering lines. Then, remove the first bolt from the collar, which is located at the back, and then the second bolt at the front, which goes through a bracket that joins the bell housing, collar, and block together. Loosen the bolts on the bracket holding the collar in place, but do not remove them completely.

Next, remove the oil adapter/cooler, being careful not to disconnect the coolant lines. Get ready for oil to come out of the adapter. Once the adapter is removed, you can finally remove the oil pan. There are a total of 14 bolts to remove. Be prepared to brace the pan when removing the last two bolts, as you will need to play with it a little to get it out.

Now, to detect oil leaks by cleaning the engine with a degreaser:

Start by cleaning the engine bay with a degreaser. You can do this manually or with a pressure washer. If cleaning manually, spray the degreaser over the entire engine bay and let it soak for about five minutes. Then, scrub down the bay with a non-metallic brush to loosen the greasy buildup. Finally, rinse everything off with a hose and dry the engine with a towel or compressed air.

If using a pressure washer, fill its chemical tank with the degreaser, diluted with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. If no instructions are available, use a dilution ratio of 10 parts water to 1 part cleaner. Apply the degreaser to the entire engine bay using a low-pressure setting, starting from a safe distance and moving closer as needed. Let it soak for a few minutes, and then rinse with clean water, starting from a safe distance to avoid forcing water where it doesn't belong. Dry off the engine with a clean towel or compressed air.

Once the engine is clean, you can easily detect any new oil leaks by following the trail of oil to its highest point. If the evidence leads to the top of the oil pan, the solution will be more labor-intensive, and you may need to replace the oil pan gasket.

Remove the oil drain plug and filter

To remove the oil drain plug and filter, follow these steps:

First, get your car off the ground. Use race ramps or another safe and secure method to lift your car. Once your car is securely lifted, locate the drain plug and remove it with a 13mm wrench, making sure you have something to collect the oil. After removing the drain plug, remove the oil filter. Allow the oil to drain completely before proceeding to the next steps.

Now, pop the hood of your car. You will need to gain access to the hot pipe. Depending on your setup, you may need to remove the battery to access the hot pipe. Loosen the clamp to the hot pipe going to the turbo using a flat head or socket. If needed, use a booger hook to help break the pipe free. Once the pipe is loosened, go back under the car and loosen the clamp on the other side of the hot pipe, which is connected to the intercooler. Use a flat head to undo the clamp and a booger hook to break it free.

At this point, you can remove the hot pipe by pulling down and twisting simultaneously, twisting the bottom towards the driver's side. With the hot pipe removed, you can now access the oil pan. Remember to have a container ready to catch any remaining oil that may drain from the oil pan.

Gain access to the hot pipe and loosen the clamp to the turbo

To gain access to the hot pipe and loosen the clamp to the turbo, you'll need to follow these steps:

First, get your car off the ground safely and securely. Use race ramps or another method to lift the car, ensuring it is level for draining. Once your car is raised, drain the oil by removing the drain plug with a 13mm wrench. Make sure you have something to collect the oil. Then, remove the oil filter.

Now, pop the hood. This next part may vary depending on your setup. You need to access the hot pipe, which may require removing the intake or the battery. Once you have a clear view of the turbo, use a flat head or socket to loosen the clamp to the hot pipe that leads to the turbo. You may also use a booger hook to help break the pipe free.

At this point, the hot pipe should be loosened, and you can proceed with the next steps in the oil pan gasket replacement process.

Loosen the clamp on the other side of the hot pipe, which is connected to the intercooler. Again, use a flat head to undo the clamp, and a booger hook can help break it free. Now, go back under the car and undo the two bolts holding the hot pipe to the oil pan with a 13mm wrench. With the bolts removed, pull down and twist simultaneously to remove the hot pipe. Twist the bottom of the pipe towards the driver's side.

By following these steps, you will successfully gain access to the hot pipe and loosen the clamp to the turbo, allowing you to continue with the oil pan gasket replacement process for your SRT4 Neon.

Remove the oil adapter/cooler

To remove the oil adapter/cooler from your Dodge Neon SRT-4, follow these steps:

First, make sure you have drained the oil from your car. Remove the drain plug with a 13mm wrench and let the oil drain out. You should also remove the oil filter.

Now, locate the oil adapter/cooler. It is held in place by three bolts, which you will need to remove. Do not disconnect the coolant lines going to the adapter, simply loosen and remove the bolts. Use an 8mm wrench for this. Oil will come out of the adapter, so be prepared to catch it.

Once the bolts are removed, the adapter should be free to be pulled out. Be careful not to lose the gasket once the adapter is removed. You will need to clean all the surfaces thoroughly and inspect for any damage before installing a new gasket.

Removing the oil adapter/cooler is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to take your time and be cautious to avoid any mess or damage to your vehicle. Always refer to a service manual for your specific vehicle and adapt these steps as necessary.

Remove the oil pan

To remove the oil pan, start by lifting your car securely using race ramps or another preferred method. Remember to do this safely. Once your car is lifted, drain the oil by removing the drain plug with a 13mm wrench. Make sure you have something to collect the oil. Then, remove the oil filter.

Now, pop the hood and gain access to the hot pipe. If you have a stock battery, you may need to remove it. Removing the intake will make this process easier. Once you can see the turbo, loosen the clamp to the hot pipe going to the turbo using a flathead or socket. You may also use a booger hook to help break the pipe free.

Loosen the clamp to the other side of the hot pipe going to your intercooler. For this, use a flathead to undo the clamp and a booger hook to break it free. Now, go back under the car and undo the two bolts holding the hot pipe to the oil pan with a 13mm wrench. Your hot pipe is now free, so pull down and twist at the same time to remove it, twisting the bottom towards the driver's side.

Next, remove the structural collar that joins/clamps the oil pan to the bell housing. First, remove the two bolts holding the power steering lines with a 15mm deep well. Then, remove the first bolt from the collar, which is located at the back, using an 18mm wrench. Now, move to the second bolt, which is the longest bolt towards the front. It goes through a bracket that joins the bell housing, collar, and block together. Remove it with an 18mm wrench.

Loosen the bracket holding the collar in place by undoing the three bolts closest to the left with a 13mm or 15mm wrench (the exact size is unclear). After that, loosen (but do not remove) the bolt on the far right holding the bracket with an 18mm wrench. This step is tricky with everything in the way, so play with some extensions to see what works for you. Loosen it just enough to slide the collar out.

Now, it's time to remove the oil adapter/cooler. Do not disconnect the coolant lines going to it. Simply remove the three bolts holding it in place with an 8mm wrench. Oil will come out, so be prepared.

Finally, you can start to remove the oil pan. There are a total of 14 bolts to remove, and all of them are 10mm. One bolt that may be particularly difficult to access is the one at the front passenger corner by the lower motor mount. You may need to use a series of 1/4" wobble extensions to get it out.

When removing the oil pan, be careful not to drop it straight down, as you will need to play with its positioning. Slant it slightly towards the back (towards the exhaust), then lower the end by the transmission and pull it out. If the gasket is not on the pan, remove it by hand. It is generally not recommended to reuse an oil pan gasket.

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