Replacing Oil Pan Gasket In 2006 Mercury Milan: Step-By-Step Guide

The oil pan gasket in a 2006 Mercury Milan seals the surfaces between the oil pan and the lower part of the engine block. The oil pan is attached to the bottom of the engine and acts as a reservoir for the engine's oil capacity. The oil pan gasket is sandwiched between the bottom of the engine block and the oil pan to keep circulating oil inside the engine. Over time, the gasket's rubber or cork will degrade to the point of leakage. To replace the oil pan gasket, you will need to drain the oil, remove the oil pan from the engine, clean the mating surfaces, and apply a new gasket. The average cost for this replacement is between $459 and $539, with labor costs estimated between $308 and $389, and parts typically priced around $151.

Check for oil leaks and damage

To check for oil leaks and damage in your 2006 Mercury Milan, begin by parking your vehicle on a level surface and allowing the engine to cool. Once the engine is cool, place a white plastic plate or cardboard beneath the car to check for any leaking fluid. Clean oil will appear thin, slippery, amber in colour, and have a chemical odour. If it has been a while since your last oil change, the oil may be dirty and appear dark brown or black.

If you suspect an oil leak, the next step is to check your oil level using the engine's dipstick. If your oil level is low and the leaking fluid matches the description of engine oil, you may have a leaking oil pan, degraded engine gasket, or another issue.

To further investigate the source of the leak, you can use talcum powder or UV dye and a UV flashlight. These methods will help pinpoint the exact location of the leak.

For the talcum powder method, open the hood and visually inspect the top half of the engine for leaks. Use a flashlight to illuminate darker areas and remove any plastic covers or trim that may be obstructing your view. If the leak is not apparent in the top half of the engine, raise the vehicle and inspect the lower half and underside for any wet or shiny spots that indicate an oil leak. Apply talcum powder liberally to any areas suspected of being the origin of the leak. Then, drive your vehicle for 20 minutes to allow the oil to leak onto the powder. Finally, inspect all areas where the powder was applied for signs of fresh oil leakage, which will appear as wet stains contrasting with the white powder.

For the UV dye method, start by conducting a thorough visual inspection of the engine, including the lower half and underside, to locate any suspect areas. Once you have identified potential leak sources, add automotive-grade UV dye to your engine via the oil filler cap. Drive the vehicle for 20 minutes to allow the dye to mix with the engine oil. Use the UV flashlight to inspect the suspected areas, and any fresh oil leaks will appear as a yellowish-green tint.

It is important to address oil leaks promptly to prevent further damage to your vehicle. If you are unsure about the source of the leak or how to fix it, it is best to consult a professional mechanic.

Remove the engine oil pan and gasket

To remove the engine oil pan and gasket on a 2006 Mercury Milan, you will need to follow a few steps. Firstly, use jacks and jack stands to lift and securely support your vehicle. Place an oil pan or container underneath the engine to catch the oil that will be drained.

Next, locate the oil drain plug and position the pan below it. Remove the drain plug using the appropriate-sized socket, and allow the oil to drain. Once drained, remove the oil filter, being careful not to spill oil on any engine components. Now, you can begin to remove the oil pan.

Loosen the bolts holding the oil pan in place with a socket wrench. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to raise the vehicle or remove the front subframe for better access. Once the bolts are removed, carefully lower the oil pan, being mindful of any metal debris that may have accumulated. Use a clean rag to wipe away any debris and ensure the mating surfaces on the engine block are clean.

At this point, the oil pan and gasket will be removed, and you can proceed to install the new gasket and oil pan, following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the mating surfaces are clean and free of debris before applying a new gasket or sealant.

Drain the oil

To drain the oil from your 2006 Mercury Milan, you will need to place a suitable container under the tank from which the oil will flow. This is an important step as it will prevent oil from spilling onto the ground and causing damage to the environment. Once the container is in place, remove the mounting bolts and drain the oil.

It is important to note that you should never drain oil directly onto the ground, as it can contaminate soil and water sources. Used engine oil contains toxic chemicals that can be harmful to human health and the environment. Always dispose of used oil properly by taking it to a designated collection point or recycling center.

Before draining the oil, it is recommended to warm up the engine to operating temperature, as this will allow the oil to flow more easily. Make sure that the car is parked on a level surface and engage the parking brake to prevent any accidental movement.

After draining the oil, you will need to remove the oil filter. This is typically located near the oil pan and can be unscrewed by hand or with a specialized tool. Be sure to have a container ready to catch any remaining oil that may spill out when the filter is removed.

Once the oil has been drained and the filter removed, it is important to wipe away any excess oil with a clean rag. This will help to prevent drips and spills when handling the oil pan and gasket.

Clean mating surfaces and apply new gasket

To replace the oil pan gasket on a 2006 Mercury Milan, you'll need to start by draining the oil and removing the oil pan from the engine. This may involve raising the vehicle or removing the front subframe. Once the oil pan is removed, it's time to clean the mating surfaces on both the engine block and the oil pan. This step is crucial for ensuring a leak-free gasket installation. Here's a direct and detailed guide on how to do it:

Before cleaning, it's important to note that different gaskets require different surface finishes. Consult the OEM repair manual to determine the appropriate surface finish for your gasket type. For cast iron cylinder heads and blocks, Fel-Pro recommends a finish of 60 to 80 Ra (Roughness Average), while for aluminum, they suggest a range of 50 to 60 Ra. Checking the cylinder head surface finish and flatness is essential to ensure a proper seal.

To clean the mating surfaces, start by removing any remaining gasket material or residue from the surfaces. Be careful not to scratch or damage the engine block or oil pan. While some sources suggest using a plastic scraper, others recommend a sharp wood chisel, a carbide scraper, or a single-edge razor blade. Always use a light touch to prevent gouging. For thick residue, a die grinder with a wire wheel attachment can be effective, but be cautious to avoid damage.

After removing the bulk of the residue, use a solvent to soften and remove any remaining residue or oil buildup. Gasket remover foam can be applied to make the residue softer and easier to scrape. Be sure to clean the surfaces thoroughly and remove any traces of the solvent before proceeding.

Once the surfaces are clean and dry, inspect them for any warping or distortion. It's crucial that the surfaces are flat to ensure a proper seal. Use a surface finish comparator or a profilometer to check the flatness. For cast iron, the surface flatness in thousandths of an inch should not exceed the number of cylinders on each bank. For example, for a V6 engine, the flatness should not exceed .003" out-of-flat. For aluminum, Fel-Pro recommends a maximum flatness of .002" out-of-flat across the width of the surface.

If the surfaces are within the specified flatness tolerances, you can proceed to apply the new gasket. Ensure you use the correct type of gasket for your application. Some vehicles use a paper gasket, while others may only require an application of sealant according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Carefully apply the new gasket, ensuring it is seated correctly and securely.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully replacing the oil pan gasket on your 2006 Mercury Milan, ensuring a leak-free seal and reliable performance.

Refill the engine oil and check for leaks

Once the new oil pan gasket has been installed, the engine oil can be refilled. It is important to refill the engine oil to the correct level. The technician will then check for leaks to ensure a proper repair.

To check for an oil leak, it is recommended to start by investigating the leak. If there is a leaking fluid, place a white plastic plate or newspaper underneath the car to catch some of the liquid. Engine oil is typically amber in colour, thin, slippery, and has a chemical odour. However, if the oil hasn't been changed in a while, it may appear dark brown or black.

The next step is to check the oil level using the engine's dipstick. If the oil level is low and the leak matches the description of engine oil, then a leaking oil pan, degraded engine gasket, or another issue is likely.

If you suspect a leak, it is best to take your car to an expert for a thorough inspection and repair. Common signs of oil leaks include fluid under your car, a low oil indicator light, oil on your engine, different-looking oil, and the smell of burning oil.

Frequently asked questions