Replacing Oil Pan Pick-Up: A Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the pick-up in an oil pan is a complex task that is best left to a professional mechanic. However, if you're confident in your abilities, the first step is to jack up your vehicle and drain the oil. Next, you'll need to remove the oil pan itself, which is usually attached with bolts, but sometimes sealed with RTV silicone. Once the oil pan is removed, you can take out the old pick-up and install the new one, along with a new gasket. Finally, you can re-attach the oil pan, refill the engine with oil, and lower the vehicle.

Identify the problem

The first step in replacing the pick-up in an oil pan is to identify the problem. This involves checking for any signs of oil leakage in your car. If you notice a puddle of oil under your car or smoke coming from the engine, it is likely that the oil pan gasket is leaking and needs to be replaced. To confirm the source of the leak, clean all the oil from the engine using a degreaser or engine cleaner and go for a short drive. If you don't discover leaking oil from anywhere above the oil pan, then the leak is most likely coming from the oil pan gasket.

In some cases, the problem may not be with the oil pan gasket but with other components such as a loose oil-pan drain plug, a dipstick tube that has come unseated from the engine block, or an oil filter that is not screwed down properly or has a cracked gasket. It is important to identify the exact source of the leak before proceeding with any repairs or replacements.

Additionally, it is worth noting that not all oil leaks are due to a faulty oil pan gasket. There could be other factors causing the leak, such as a damaged oil pan or a clogged oil pump pickup tube. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect the oil pan and its components to accurately identify the root cause of the problem before taking any further action.

Confirm the source

Confirming the source of an oil leak is a crucial step before replacing the oil pan. Here are some detailed instructions to help you confirm the source of the leak:

Step 1: Clean the Engine

Start by cleaning the engine with a degreaser. You can do this at a self-service car wash. This step is important because it helps to remove any oil residue that could be misleading when trying to locate the source of the leak.

Step 2: Drive the Vehicle

After cleaning the engine, take the vehicle for a short drive, around 10 to 20 minutes. This will help to warm up the engine and circulate the oil, potentially revealing the source of the leak.

Step 3: Inspect for Leaks

Once you return from the drive, carefully inspect the engine for any signs of oil leaks. Pay close attention to the oil pan and the surrounding area. If you find oil above the oil pan, it could be dripping down from another source. If you don't find any leaks above the oil pan, it is likely that the oil pan or its gasket is the source of the leak.

Step 4: Consult a Professional

If you are unsure about the source of the leak, it is always a good idea to consult a professional mechanic. They have the experience and expertise to accurately diagnose the problem and recommend the necessary repairs.

Remember, before replacing the oil pan or making any repairs, it is crucial to confirm the source of the leak to ensure that you are addressing the correct issue.

Purchase replacement parts

When purchasing replacement parts for an oil pan pickup tube, it is important to ensure that you are getting the correct tube for your specific engine, pan depth, and application. Here are some options for purchasing replacement parts:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of oil pump pickup tubes and screens, including:

• GM Genuine Parts 12608579 Engine Oil Pump Pickup Tube and Screen, which fits various GM vehicles with 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L engines.
• Sealed Power 224-1246 Engine Oil Pump Pickup Tube with Screen.
• Moroso 24170 Oil Pump Pickup for Small Block Chevy engines.
• MAHLE B32790 Engine Oil Pump Pickup Tube Gasket, which is a best-seller in its category.
• Melling offers a range of oil pump screens, such as the Melling 340S, Melling 247S, and Melling 68-S3 Oil Pump.

Summit Racing

Summit Racing offers a variety of oil pump pickups and screens from brands like Moroso, Melling, Hamburger's Performance, Canton Racing, and Allstar. Some of their products include:

• Summit Racing's own brand of oil pump pickups, such as the SUM-G3623 and SUM-G3621, which are designed for specific Chevy engines.
• Melling Oil Pump Screen Assemblies, including the 55-S1, 305S, and 68-S.
• Moroso Oil Pump Pickups, including the 24050, 24350, and 24440, which are also designed for specific Chevy engines.
• ACDelco GM Genuine Parts Oil Pump Pickups, such as the 12563961 and 12624497, which include a screen and suction tube.

Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts offers the Melling Stock Replacement Oil Pump Screen, which comes with a 1-year replacement warranty if defective.

Remove and replace the oil pan

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Look out for signs of a leaking oil pan gasket. You may notice a puddle of oil under your car, smoke coming from the engine, or lower-than-normal oil levels.

Step 2: Confirm the Source

Thoroughly clean all the oil from your engine using a degreaser or engine cleaner. Then, go for a quick drive (10 to 20 minutes) and recheck for leaks. If you don't discover leaking oil from anywhere above your oil pan, then it's likely that the leak is coming from the oil pan gasket.

Step 3: Purchase Replacement Parts

Research the specific parts that your car needs and order them.

Step 4: Removing and Replacing the Oil Pan

• Drain the oil: Before you can replace the oil pan, you need to drain the oil from the engine. This will make it easier to access the oil pan and reduce the risk of getting burned by hot oil.
• Remove the oil pan: The oil pan is located at the bottom of the engine. Once you have drained the oil, remove the oil pan to access the gasket. Some oil pans are attached with bolts, while others are sealed with RTV silicone.
• Remove any other components: Depending on the vehicle, there may be other components that need to be removed before the oil pan can be taken out, such as the oil pump, oil filter adapter, or transmission cross member.
• Clean the mating surfaces: Before installing the new oil pan, clean the mating surfaces thoroughly to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks.
• Install the new oil pan: Check that the new oil pan gasket is in good condition and that the pan is clean. Then, place the gasket on the engine block and carefully lower the new oil pan into place. Securely fasten the oil pan with bolts or RTV silicone.
• Reinstall any other components: Once the new oil pan is in place, reinstall any other components that were removed earlier.
• Refill the engine with oil: After replacing the oil pan, refill the engine with the proper type and amount of oil.

Note: Replacing an oil pan can be complex and time-consuming, and it's best left to a professional mechanic with the right tools and knowledge.

Refill the engine with oil

Once you have replaced the oil pan, you will need to refill the engine with oil. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Purchase the right oil for your car

Check your owner's manual to see what type of oil is recommended for your car. Do not switch to a different type of oil unless you have a good reason to do so.

Step 2: Pop the hood of your car

Locate and pull the lever or press the button to open the hood of your car. This is usually found near the driver's seat. Then, run your hand between the hood and the body of the car to find the lever that will completely free the hood.

Step 3: Locate the oil fill port

The oil fill port should be labelled with the word "oil" and often has a small picture of an oil can on it. It is usually found near the front of the car, close to the engine and the dipstick.

Step 4: Remove the oil fill cap and use a funnel to add oil

Unscrew the oil fill cap and place a funnel in the oil fill port. Check the dipstick to determine how much oil you need to add. Typically, the distance between the bottom and top of the dipstick equals one quart of oil. Add oil slowly and periodically check the dipstick to avoid overfilling.

Step 5: Close the oil fill cap and check the oil level

Once you have added oil, close the oil fill cap. Check the oil level with the dipstick and top off if needed. Remember to get your oil changed regularly or after a certain number of miles, as recommended by your car manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions