Dodge Dart Oil Pan: What Size Nut Fits?

The oil pan in a Dodge Dart is located at the bottom of the engine and is large enough to hold all the oil in the engine. It is bolted to the engine block, and there is an oil pan gasket in between the block and pan to prevent oil leaks. The oil drain plug is located in the oil pan. The oil pan can be removed by draining the oil, removing the bolts from the flange of the oil pan, and prying the pan off. The size of the nuts on the Dodge Dart's oil pan depends on the model year and engine type. For example, the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart 1.4L engine with a manual transmission requires a 3/8-inch socket to remove the oil drain plug. In contrast, the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart 2.4L engine uses an M14x1.5mm magnetic oil drain plug.

Oil pan removal

To remove the oil pan from a Dodge Dart, follow these steps:

• Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
• Raise and support the vehicle.
• Remove the belly pan.
• Drain the engine oil.
• Remove the exhaust crossunder pipe.
• Remove the three bolts from the flywheel dust cover.
• Remove the two lower transmission bell housing bolts.
• Remove the fourteen bolts, two nuts, and two studs from the flange of the oil pan.
• Using the four indicated pry points, carefully remove the oil pan and flywheel dust cover.
• Remove the bolt and the flywheel dust cover from the oil pan.
• Remove all residual sealant from the oil pan, engine block, oil pump, and rear seal retainer.

Before removing the oil pan, it is important to identify the source of the leak. Clean the engine with a degreaser and go for a short drive to confirm that the oil pan gasket is the source of the leak.

When removing the oil pan, be careful not to bend or crack it. Use a mallet to gently tap the pan if necessary to break the seal, but only after confirming that all bolts have been removed.

Oil pan gasket

An oil pan gasket is a vital component in your car's engine, forming a seal between the oil pan and the engine block to prevent oil leaks. When this gasket fails, it can lead to oil dripping onto your garage floor or, worse, a catastrophic engine failure if not addressed promptly.

Replacing an oil pan gasket is a complex task that requires mechanical expertise and a range of specialised tools. The procedure varies depending on the car's specific model and year, but it generally involves the following steps:

• Disconnecting and isolating the battery negative cable.
• Raising and supporting the vehicle.
• Removing components such as the belly pan, exhaust cross-under pipe, and flywheel dust cover.
• Draining the engine oil.
• Removing bolts, nuts, and studs securing the oil pan to the engine block.
• Carefully prying the oil pan away from the engine block.
• Cleaning the mating surfaces of the oil pan, engine block, oil pump, and rear seal retainer with isopropyl alcohol or a suitable solvent.
• Applying a bead of high-temperature silicone sealant or using a pre-formed gasket to create a new seal.
• Reinstalling the oil pan and tightening the fasteners in a specified sequence and torque specification.
• Reinstalling the removed components and filling the engine with the appropriate oil.

It is important to use the correct type of sealant or gasket recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, as using an incompatible sealant can result in engine fluid leaks. Additionally, some oil pans have a threaded oil drainage opening, which requires a specific type of gasket or sealant to ensure a secure seal.

The complexity of this procedure is further exemplified when examining the process for a 2013 Dodge Dart 1.4L with a manual transmission. In this case, the oil pan is sealed to the engine block using Mopar® Engine RTV GEN II Sealant, and the removal process involves an extensive list of steps, including:

> 1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

> 2. Raise and support the vehicle.

> 3. Remove the belly pan.

> 4. Drain the engine oil.

> 5. Remove the exhaust cross-under pipe.

> 6. Remove three bolts from the flywheel dust cover.

> 7. Remove the two lower transmission bell housing bolts.

> 8. Remove fourteen bolts, two nuts, and two studs from the flange of the oil pan.

> 9. Carefully remove the oil pan and flywheel dust cover using four pry points.

> 10. Clean the mating surfaces of the oil pan, engine block, oil pump, and rear seal retainer.

> 11. Reinstall the flywheel dust cover and oil pan with new sealant and tighten fasteners in a specified sequence and torque.

> 12. Reinstall the exhaust cross-under pipe and belly pan.

> 13. Fill the engine with the appropriate oil and reconnect the battery negative cable.

As evidenced by the detailed procedures outlined above, replacing an oil pan gasket is a meticulous task that demands a thorough understanding of automotive systems and repair techniques. It is always recommended to consult a qualified mechanic or refer to a reliable repair manual specific to your vehicle's make and model before attempting any complex repairs.

Oil drain plug

The oil drain plug is a crucial component in ensuring a leak-proof seal for your Dodge Dart's oil pan. When it comes to replacing this part, there are a variety of options available, including:

• Dorman's Standard Engine Oil Drain Plug: This product is designed as a direct replacement for the original equipment drain plug, matching the thread pitch for a quality seal. It's made from corrosion-resistant materials and has undergone try-on testing to ensure reliability.
• Accufit's Oil Drain Plug: This option offers high coverage with a low part number, covering up to 93% of vehicles on the road. It features a finger-grip wing for easy installation and a red hi-temp gasket for maximum sealing protection.
• Dorman's EZ Drain Engine Oil Drain Plug: This innovative design simplifies oil changes by allowing you to drain oil without a wrench. It features a custom tapered O-ring for a leak-proof seal and is coated for rust resistance.

When replacing the oil drain plug, it's important to refer to the correct procedure for your specific Dodge Dart model and engine type. For example, for the 2013 Dodge Dart 1.4L with a manual transmission, the procedure involves raising and supporting the vehicle, removing the belly pan, draining the engine oil, and then removing the necessary bolts, nuts, and studs from the flange of the oil pan. It's important to clean the mating surfaces and apply the appropriate sealant before installing the new oil pan and drain plug, ensuring proper torque specifications are followed.

Additionally, the oil drain plug torque specification for the 2.0L and 2.4L engines can be found in the Dart Bible, a comprehensive resource for Dodge Dart maintenance.

Oil pan bolts

The oil pan in a Dodge Dart is fastened to the engine block with bolts. The number of bolts varies depending on the model year and engine type. For example, the 2013 Dodge Dart 1.4L with a manual transmission has fourteen bolts, two nuts, and two studs on the flange of the oil pan. On the other hand, the 2.0L engine uses M6 and M8 bolts to secure the oil pan.

When removing the oil pan, it is important to follow the correct procedure to avoid damage and ensure a proper seal. The first step is to disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. Next, the vehicle should be raised and supported securely. The belly pan, exhaust crossunder pipe, and other components may need to be removed for access to the oil pan. After draining the engine oil, the bolts, nuts, and studs securing the oil pan can be removed. In some cases, special tools may be required to access and remove these fasteners. It is important to note that the oil pan may be sealed with gasket sealant instead of a preformed gasket, and care must be taken to clean the surfaces properly before applying new sealant.

When installing the new oil pan, it is crucial to use the correct sealant or gasket to prevent leaks. The oil pan should be positioned and secured with the specified number of bolts, nuts, and studs, following the recommended torque specifications and sequence. After tightening the fasteners, the remaining components can be reinstalled, and the engine oil and coolant can be refilled. Finally, the battery cable can be reconnected, and the engine can be started to check for leaks.

Oil pan replacement cost

The oil pan in a Dodge Dart is bolted to the bottom of the engine and holds the oil before it is circulated. The oil pan can suffer damage or might need a gasket replacement. Warning signs of a damaged pan include a dashboard warning light, consistently low oil levels, or oil puddles under the car. Losing too much oil can result in engine failure.

The cost of replacing an oil pan can vary depending on the car and location. The average cost for an oil pan replacement is between $677 and $1068. For example, one source quotes the cost of replacing the oil pan in a Prius as between $200 and $300. However, another source states that they were quoted $80 for parts and $750 for labor to replace the oil pan in their 2011 Prius. This high labor cost was due to the complexity of replacing the oil pan.

In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the front subframe and raise the vehicle to access the oil pan. On average, it takes a technician around four hours to replace an oil pan. The time and effort can vary depending on access to the oil pan bolts and the ability to remove the old pan and install the new one.

Some vehicles require the support of the engine and removal of the subframe, which can make the process more complex and time-consuming. In these cases, it is recommended to leave the job to a professional repair shop.

Frequently asked questions