How To Change Your Car's Oil: Draining The Oil Pan

The oil pan, or the sump, is the lowest part of the engine from which used oil is drained during an oil change. While it is not necessary to remove the oil pan during an oil change, some people choose to do so to clean out every last drop of old oil. However, this can be a labor-intensive and messy process, and it is not necessary to get all the oil out of the engine. It is important to note that if you are doing an oil change, you should always use a container that is large enough to avoid spilling oil and one that can handle the temperature of the oil.

Oil pan gasket replacement

To replace an oil pan gasket, you will need to first detect oil leaking from the oil pan. Clean the engine with a degreaser and, when external oil reappears, follow the trail to its highest point.

Once you've identified the source of the leak, you can begin the process of replacing the oil pan gasket. This will involve removing the oil pan and installing a new gasket. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Obtain the Appropriate Oil Pan Gasket Replacement

Gasket materials vary depending on the types of metals they're intended to seal. It is important to get a gasket that is compatible with your vehicle. Name-brand gaskets typically come with any necessary sealants.

Step 2: Drain the Oil and Remove the Splash Shield and Bellhousing Cover

Allow the oil to drain completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Detach Any Accessories That May Interfere with Removing the Oil Pan

In front-wheel-drive vehicles, the oil pan is often mated to the transaxle. Other accessories such as the exhaust manifold support and air-conditioning bracketry may need to be removed to access the oil pan bolts.

Step 4: Locate and Remove All Oil Pan Bolts

A service manual can be helpful in identifying all the oil pan bolt locations. Some bolts may be obscured behind other parts. Remove all the bolts securing the oil pan.

Step 5: Remove the Oil Pan

Once all the bolts are removed, the oil pan can be dropped. If necessary, tap it lightly with a mallet to break the seal. Be careful not to bend or crack the oil pan during this process.

Step 6: Clean and Inspect the Oil Pan

Scrape off any gasket residue and clean all sealing surfaces with a solvent. Clean the inside of the oil pan and inspect it for cracks.

Step 7: Install the New Gasket

Follow the instructions that come with the new gasket. Some gaskets may require the use of grease or other sealants to hold them in position.

Step 8: Reattach the Oil Pan and Bolts

Use thread sealer, if specified, and torque the oil pan bolts to the specified torque in a spiral pattern, starting from the center. Reattach any accessory brackets that were removed earlier.

Step 9: Refill the Crankcase with Oil and Inspect for Leaks

After reinstalling the oil pan and tightening the bolts, refill the crankcase with oil. Start the engine and inspect for any signs of leaks.

It is important to note that this process may vary depending on the specific vehicle and its configuration. Always refer to a service manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any steps or procedures.

Oil drain and disposal

To drain the oil from your car, first warm up the engine—but be careful not to burn yourself on hot oil. Place a large container to catch the oil underneath the oil pan. Locate and remove the oil drain plug, then leave the oil to drain fully.

For oil disposal, local regulations and codes will set the minimum legal requirement for waste oil. Typically, this will be an oil-resistant container with a tight-sealing lid or cap. In the US, waste oil can be taken to the transfer station or "dump", where there will be a catch can for the oil and a container for oil filters. Some auto parts stores will also accept waste oil for disposal.

Oil filter replacement

To replace your oil filter, first locate the oil filter on your vehicle's engine block. You will need an oil pan, a new filter, and some oil. Before you begin, make sure your vehicle's engine is off. If the engine is hot, wait at least 30 minutes before starting. If the engine is cold, let it warm up for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off.

Next, loosen the oil fill cap to help the oil drain more easily. Then, place an oil drain pan underneath the oil drain plug and remove the plug to drain the oil. Replace the plug when the oil has finished draining.

Now, find the oil filter. It is a metal cylinder attached to the engine block and is often black, white, blue, or orange. Once you've located it, move the oil drain pan underneath the oil filter to catch any oil that drains out when you remove the filter. Screw off the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise. If you can't do this by hand, use a filter wrench to loosen it first.

Let the old filter drain for 24 hours, then throw it away. Lubricate the gasket on the new oil filter with fresh motor oil, then screw on the new filter by hand. Tighten the new filter 1/4 to 3/4 of a turn. Finally, fill up the engine with fresh motor oil.

Oil pan removal

To remove the oil pan, you will need to identify the problem and confirm the source of the leak. If you notice a puddle of oil under your car, smoke coming from the engine, or lower-than-normal oil levels, you likely have a leaking oil pan gasket. To confirm this, clean all the oil from your engine using a degreaser or engine cleaner, then go for a short drive and recheck for leaks. If you don't find oil leaks from anywhere above the oil pan, it is likely that the leak is coming from the oil pan gasket.

Before removing the oil pan, purchase the necessary replacement parts. Depending on your car, oil pans can be difficult to access and may be attached by a significant number of small bolts. In some cases, you may need to remove the front subframe or even the motor to access the oil pan.

• Remove all the oil pan mounting bolts.
• Gently pry the oil pan from the engine block, being careful not to bend or damage the pan.
• Clean the mounting surface on the engine, removing any old gasket material without damaging the engine block or other mounting surfaces.
• Install the new oil pan with a new gasket or gasket-making material.
• Torque the mounting bolts to the specified tightness in the correct order.
• Refill the crankcase with oil.
• Start the engine and inspect for leaks.

Oil pan reinstallation

When reinstalling the oil pan, it is important to ensure that it is installed correctly to prevent leaks and improve durability and performance. Here is a step-by-step guide for reinstalling the oil pan:

Step 1: Clean the Oil Pan

Before reinstalling the oil pan, it is important to clean it thoroughly. Remove any sludge or gasket residue from the pan and inspect it for cracks. This will help ensure that the oil pan is in good condition and reduce the risk of contamination.

Step 2: Prepare the Gasket

Obtain an appropriate oil pan gasket replacement. Gasket materials vary depending on the type of metals they are intended to seal. Follow the vehicle's service manual for specific instructions on gasket preparation and installation. Some gaskets may require the use of adhesives or sealants, while others should be installed dry.

Step 3: Align the Oil Pan

Position the oil pan correctly under the engine. This step can be tricky, as you need to align the gasket and the oil pan properly. Fel-Pro has developed a product called SnapUps, which can help with this process by allowing you to snap the gasket and oil pan in place before starting the bolts.

Step 4: Bolt the Oil Pan

Start by threading the bolts in by hand and finger-tightening them. Then, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts according to the manufacturer's specifications. Follow the recommended torque sequence, which is typically an "X" pattern or a spiral pattern starting from the center. This will ensure even pressure and help prevent leaks.

Step 5: Refill and Inspect

After the oil pan is securely bolted, refill the crankcase with oil. Start the engine and inspect for any leaks. Make sure to check for leaks not only at the oil pan but also at the gasket and other areas of the engine.

It is important to note that the above steps provide a general guide, and specific procedures may vary depending on the vehicle's make and model. Always refer to the vehicle's service manual or seek the advice of a certified technician for vehicle-specific instructions.

Frequently asked questions