Removing the Oil Pan

• 1). Place the vehicle in park with the emergency brake set. Block the rear wheels for added insurance. Raise the vehicle about 8 inches high with the floor jack and place the jack stands under the front outside frame of the vehicle.
  
  
• 2
  Use a large crescent wrench to remove the oil drain plug.the tools image by Oleg Verbitsky from Fotolia.com
  
  Drain the oil by removing the oil pan drain plug. Use a large crescent wrench to twist the plug counterclockwise. Remove the old plug O-ring gasket and replace it with a new one, so you don't forget the procedure during reassembly.
  
  
• 3). Remove the oil pan skid plate (if equipped) using a small socket (this is a thin metal cover). Use an end wrench or the universal joint on a socket to access difficult areas. Place the skid plate aside.
  
  
• 4). Remove the cross-member frame next (if equipped). This is the large metal member that runs from the the front to the rear of the engine. Use the extensions and the universal socket to gain access to the tight or hidden bolt locations. Disconnect the oil level sensor connector.
  
  
• 5
  Replace the oil filter also when replacing an oil pan gasket.tool image by CraterValley Photo from Fotolia.com
  
  Remove the oil filter and clean the contact housing. Do not leave an old O-ring stuck to the housing as it will leak when a new filter is screwed over it.
  
  
• 6). Remove the oil pan bolts with a short extension and the proper socket size. Begin in the middle of the pan, alternating sides until all of the bolts are removed. Gently pry the pan seal apart. Pull the pan down and clean the pan surface, as well as the block under-surface. Use a thin gasket scraper, solvent and rag.
  
  
• 7). Apply a thin bead of tacky glue (RTV adhesive sealant) to the pan gasket groove. Place the new gasket in the pan groove and line up the bolt holes. Use a pencil to wedge the hole for the desired fit. Apply a thin line of tacky glue on the underside of the engine block.
  
  

Replacing The Gasket and Oil Pan

• 1). Raise the pan up into position using the floor jack or one hand. Start placing the bolts in by hand, beginning in the middle and fanning outwards. Tighten the bolts, using the same pattern. Do not overtighten, as the bolts break easily. Consult a repair manual for the proper torque and sequence for accuracy. Replace and tighten the oil drain plug (with the new O-ring gasket attached).
  
  
• 2). Reconnect the oil level sensor wire to the pan, and then replace a new oil filter on the housing. Raise the cross-member up into position with the floor jack and start the bolts by hand. Tighten them with the proper wrench socket.
  
  
• 3). Hold the skid plate up and start the bolts by hand. Tighten them with a socket or an end wrench. Be sure no hanging wires are caught between the plate and the under-carriage frame as a direct short can result.
  
  
• 4). Raise the vehicle using the floor jack and remove the jack stands. Fill the crankcase with the prescribed amount of new oil, or reuse the reclaimed oil (if clean).
  
  
• 5
  Look at the dashboard for code lights or indicator warnings.dashboard with speed meter image by robert paul van beets from Fotolia.com
  
  Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature. Check the dashboard for code lights or a red indicator warning light. If the vehicle is equipped with an aftermarket oil pressure gauge, make sure it reads the proper amount of oil pump pressure at the various RPMs. Test drive and recheck for leaks over a clean surface.