High Mileage Vehicles: Clean Oil Pan, Yes Or No?

The oil pan is a simple tool that sits under the vehicle body and collects the oil draining from above when you are changing the oil. It is important to know how to clean the oil pan for at-home vehicle maintenance. There are different ways to clean an oil pan, including using a paper towel, oil degreasers, a scraper, wire wheel and brakeclean, or dish soap and hot water. Some people also recommend using oven cleaner, degreaser, or a dishwasher to clean an oil pan. It is important to take safety precautions when cleaning an oil pan, such as lowering the vehicle to a smooth surface, engaging the brakes, and shutting off the engine. Additionally, it is not safe to get under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack.

Should you clean the oil pan on a high-mileage vehicle?

Safety precautions when working under a vehicle

Working under a vehicle can be extremely dangerous, and serious or fatal accidents occur every year. Here are some safety precautions to follow when working under a vehicle:

• Always use the right equipment for the job. Do not cut corners or use inappropriate equipment to lift heavy items.
• Ensure there are safe working procedures in place when moving heavy loads, especially when they are raised.
• Use the correct pins for axle stands—screwdrivers, nails, and bolts are not acceptable substitutes.
• Place the vehicle on a hard, level surface, such as concrete, and avoid lifting on sloping ground.
• Securely chock the wheels remaining on the ground.
• Consult the vehicle manufacturer's handbook to ensure that all lifting points for jacks and stands are correct for that specific vehicle.
• Do not exceed the rated capacity (safe working load) of any lifting equipment.
• Do not rely on jacks alone—ensure that vehicles are always properly supported by suitable safety stands.
• Make sure that the safety stands are in good condition and positioned properly, and that the correct support pins are used in adjustable axle stands.
• Regularly inspect jacks and ensure they are maintained in good operating condition.
• Do not get under a vehicle that is supported by a jack only.
• Ensure that the floor and fixings meet the lift manufacturer's specifications. If in doubt, seek specialist advice.
• Regularly check the fixing bolts with a torque wrench to ensure they remain tight.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near your working space.
• Do not try to extinguish a fuel or electrical fire with water; use sand instead.
• Never trust a jack.
• Remove the earth strap (usually the negative pole) from the battery to avoid accidentally activating the starter or causing a spark.
• Keep loose clothing and long hair away from moving parts.
• Wear eye protection when your eyes are at risk, such as when grinding or drilling upside down.
• Do not allow small children or animals near the vehicle while working on it.

Locating the oil drain pan

In addition to draining the oil, it is also recommended to change the oil filter during an oil change. The oil filter is typically located near the oil pan and is screwed into the engine block. It is about half the height of a soda can and twice as wide.

Before attempting to change your vehicle's oil, it is important to consult a repair manual or seek advice from a qualified mechanic to ensure you have the correct tools and knowledge to perform the task safely and effectively.

Using paper towels to clean the oil pan

Cleaning an oil pan is essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance, especially if it has high mileage. While there are various methods to clean an oil pan, using paper towels is a popular and effective approach. Here's a detailed guide on using paper towels to clean your oil pan:

Step 1: Gather the Right Paper Towels

Start by choosing the right type of paper towels. Opt for absorbent and durable paper towels that can withstand light scrubbing without leaving lint or disintegrating. Some recommended brands include Bounty paper towels and Scott Shop Towels. Avoid cheap, low-quality paper towels that may disintegrate easily and leave residue in your oil pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Oil Pan

Before cleaning, make sure to drain the oil from the pan. Place a container under the drain plug and remove it to allow the oil to drain completely. You can also use a suction pump to remove the oil if your vehicle doesn't have a drain plug. Once the oil is drained, replace the drain plug or tighten it securely.

Step 3: Initial Cleaning with Paper Towels

Take a paper towel and fold it to fit comfortably in your hand. Start by gently wiping down the interior of the oil pan. Use a light touch to avoid shredding the paper towel on any rough surfaces. Absorb any residual oil and grease, ensuring you get into all the corners and crevices of the pan. Repeat this process with fresh paper towels until the pan is free of visible oil and grease.

Step 4: Rinsing and Drying

After removing most of the oil with paper towels, it's time to rinse and dry the pan. Use hot water and a mild detergent to rinse the pan thoroughly. You can use a scrub brush or a sponge to gently scrub away any remaining grease or residue. Ensure you rinse the pan thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Once rinsed, dry the pan completely with a clean cloth or paper towels. You can also let it air dry if preferred.

Step 5: Final Touches

Examine the oil pan for any remaining residue or grease. If necessary, use a degreaser or oven cleaner to address stubborn areas. Follow the instructions on the product and apply it to the affected areas. Rinse and dry the pan again, ensuring it is completely free of any cleaning agents. Finally, you can apply a thin coat of oil to the pan to protect it from rusting.

Using paper towels to clean your oil pan is a straightforward and effective method. Remember to be gentle with your scrubbing and use high-quality paper towels to avoid leaving residue in the pan. Always exercise caution when working with vehicles, and if you're unsure about any steps, consult a professional mechanic for guidance.

Using oil degreasers

To clean an oil pan using a degreaser, first, drain the old oil from the pan. You can do this by locating and removing the oil drain plug with a screwdriver, allowing the oil to drain into a catch basin or container. Ensure you are wearing gloves to protect your hands from the oil. Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it with a screwdriver.

Next, detach the oil filter by unscrewing it with your hands. Be careful as the oil may still be hot. Allow the oil to drain into the container, then locate and remove the oil pan from the engine. This can be done by removing the bolts holding the pan in place. Sometimes, gentle persuasion with a scraper may be required to release it.

Before applying the degreaser, inspect the oil pan for any large debris. These could indicate internal engine problems that would need to be addressed by a professional.

Now, apply a generous amount of engine degreaser to the oil pan. Using a scrub brush or a sturdy brush, clean all areas of the pan, focusing on any sludge build-up. A plastic scraper can also be used to dislodge stubborn deposits without damaging the pan. After scrubbing, rinse the pan with water until it is completely clean, then allow it to dry.

As a final step, check the gasket surface on both the engine and the pan to ensure they are spotless. Remove any remnants of the old gasket or sealant using a scraper or putty knife. Install a new gasket, then reattach the oil pan to the engine.

It is important to choose a high-quality degreaser that will effectively remove sludge and build-up without damaging the metal surface of the oil pan. Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser is a product recommended by professionals.

Removing old gaskets and cleaning surfaces

When removing old gaskets, it is important to avoid getting any of the material into the engine and to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces. On modern engines with aluminium castings, a metal scraper can cause a lot of damage.

There are two types of chemical gasket removers on the market: one designed to remove gasket material, cements and dressings, and the other to remove silicone gasket materials like RTV. Spraying or brushing on the gasket remover and waiting for 20-30 minutes will soften the gasket, making it easier to remove.

A putty knife with a sharpened, flat, straight edge can be used to scrape off the gasket. Ensure the blade is held straight and flush to the mating surface, with the bevelled side down. For curved mating surfaces, a flexible razor blade is better.

Other methods for removing old gaskets include using a wire brush on a drill, a plastic scraper, a wire wheel, a plastic chisel, a blow torch, a wood chisel, or a razor blade with a solvent such as diesel gas, Easy-Off oven cleaner, CRC 05021 Technician Grade Gasket Remover, or Permatex gasket remover.

Frequently asked questions