Replacing Oil Pan On Ford F350 Diesel: Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to replace the oil pan on your 2007 Ford F350 diesel, you're in for a challenging task. While it is possible to replace the oil pan without pulling the engine, it is a complicated procedure that requires careful preparation and execution. The oil pan is held in place with silicone, which can be difficult to remove and can cause clearance issues if not replaced properly. Before attempting any repairs, it is important to confirm that the oil pan is the source of the leak, as other components such as the dipstick tube, valve covers, turbo, and oil cooler are also common leak points.

To replace the oil pan, you will need to lift the engine and slide the pan out. This can be done by removing the turbo and fan clutch, or by jacking up the cab and engine. However, even with this additional clearance, it can be difficult to get the pan out without hitting the crossmember. Once the pan is removed, it is crucial to clean the mating surfaces thoroughly and apply fresh silicone or a new gasket before installing the new pan.

For a temporary fix, you may consider using a patch kit or an epoxy repair to seal the leak without removing the pan. However, the best way to ensure a lasting repair is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil pan replacement, which includes removing the engine and allowing the sealant to cure before reinstalling the pan.

Drain the oil from the truck

To drain the oil from your 2007 Ford F-350, you'll need to locate the oil drain plug. This can be found underneath the vehicle, underneath the engine. Place a large container, such as an oil drain pan, underneath the plug to catch the oil. You may need to raise the vehicle to gain access to the underside—be sure to use jack stands and safe jacking procedures.

Once you have located the drain plug, you can remove it using a socket wrench. Allow the oil to drain completely, which may take several minutes. If your oil appears very dirty or dark, or if it has a burnt smell, this may indicate that your oil needs changing more frequently or that there is an underlying issue with your vehicle.

Once the oil has drained, you can wipe down the drain plug and the surrounding area with a clean, dry cloth. It is important to dispose of used oil responsibly, so pour the drained oil into a sealable container and take it to a designated disposal location. Do not pour oil down the drain or into the environment.

Now that the oil has been drained, you can proceed to remove the oil filter. Wrap the oil filter housing with a rag to catch any residual oil, then remove the filter using an oil filter wrench. You can now proceed to clean the outside of the oil pan.

Remove the oil filter

To remove the oil filter from a 2007 Ford F350 Diesel, follow these steps:

First, locate the oil filter. It is usually located near the engine, often on the driver's side. In some Ford models, it is found under the driver's side door on the frame rail.

Place a tub or bucket under the oil filter to catch any dripping oil. This will help to avoid making a mess and will make cleaning up easier.

Next, identify the allen plug on the side of the oil filter. Using an appropriately-sized allen wrench, remove the allen plug by turning it in the correct direction. This will allow you to drain the oil from the filter.

Once the oil has drained completely, you can proceed to remove the oil filter. Wrap the oil filter housing with a rag to catch any residual oil and prevent it from dripping. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands from the oil.

Now, you can unscrew or detach the oil filter using the appropriate tool. There are oil filter wrenches available that can help with this step, or you may be able to use a standard wrench or ratchet, depending on the location and design of the oil filter.

After removing the oil filter, be sure to clean and prepare the mounting surface for the new oil filter. Refer to your vehicle's repair manual or seek guidance from a mechanic if you are unsure about the specific steps required for your Ford F350 model.

It is important to dispose of the used oil and oil filter properly. Take them to a designated recycling center or automotive store that accepts used motor oil and filters. Do not pour the used oil down the drain or dispose of it in a manner that could harm the environment.

Clean the outside of the pan

To clean the outside of the oil pan, you will need shop rags, a detergent that breaks down oil (such as Simple Green), and some plastic or composite scrapers. It is important to avoid using metal tools on the oil pan, as this can cause nicks in the metal.

First, use the plastic scraper to remove large amounts of oil from the flat surfaces of the pan. Then, spray the detergent onto the pan and wipe it down with a shop cloth or paper towel. Next, use the scraper and a shop rag to clean between the fins of the oil pan. Spray the detergent between the fins and push the rag between them, using the scraper to remove any remaining gunk. Finally, use the same procedure to clean the lower crankcase, paying special attention to the mounts where the engine attaches to the car, as these areas can become filled with oil.

Alternatively, you can use 36-grit sandpaper and an angle grinder to completely clean the outside of the pan.

Remove the oil drain plug

To remove the oil drain plug, first warm up your vehicle. You want the engine to be slightly warm to the touch, so warm up the engine for 2 or 3 minutes. When it’s warm, shut off the engine. Then, look under your car to find the drain plug. The drain plug is a large nut or plug located under the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. If you can’t reach the oil drain plug easily, you’ll need to either crawl under your car to reach it or jack up the car. Place a container under the oil drain plug to catch the oil as it drains. Protect your hand with a rag or some paper towels, and be ready to move your hand out of the way when you unscrew the oil drain plug. The oil will now drain out of your engine into the container.

After the oil has been drained, wipe around the place where the oil drain plug goes. If your vehicle uses an oil drain plug gasket, make sure the old one has been removed and lay a new gasket on the pan before you replace the plug.

Prepare the sealant

To prepare the sealant for your 2007 Ford F350 diesel oil pan replacement, follow these steps:

First, ensure you have the correct sealant. Ford recommends using an International/Ford-approved RTV sealant. The following part numbers are recommended: Wacker T-442, Motorcraft TA-31, Ford F5TZ-19G204-AB, Navistar D15-5012 Type II, or International 1830858C1. You may need at least two tubes of sealant to complete the job.

Next, you need to prepare the oil pan and engine block surfaces. Clean the surfaces with a solvent to remove any dirt and oil. Use a small right-angle pneumatic high-speed rotary tool with a 3" 3M Roloc rubberized backing plate and a 3" 36-grit green Roloc disc to grind off all loose corrosion. Feather the edges into the non-corroded areas with a 60 or 80-grit disc. Blow off the surfaces with compressed air, then wash the pan with soap and water. Allow the cleaned surfaces to dry completely before proceeding.

Now, you're ready to apply the sealant. Wear gloves and safety glasses for this step. Apply the sealant to the oil pan, not the engine block. The long edges of the pan should have a 3mm (1/8") bead, while the short edges should have a 6mm (1/4") bead. Apply the sealant inside the bolt holes on the pan, not outside. Work quickly, as the oil pan must be installed within 3 minutes of applying the sealant.

With the sealant applied, you're almost ready to install the oil pan. But first, insert the oil drain plug back into the pan and have everything prepped and ready to cover the pan. Clean the pan and shell with acetone once more, and have jack and wooden blocks ready under the truck, along with the old oil filter.

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