Causes and Cures for Oil Pan Leaks

There are other common signs of a leak in an oil pan or gasket:

• Repeated need to add oil
• Illuminated low oil pressure gauge light
• Engine noises due to insufficient lubrication

On the bottom of most engines is an oil pan where the oil collects after lubricating vital engine pieces. The oil resides here and gets pumped back up into the top of the engine to repeat the voyage as the engine runs.

Oil pan

A thin gasket made of cork or synthetic material usually seals the gap between the oil pan and the engine block. Over time, this gasket might crack or dry out and leak oil.

However, note that this procedure may not be simple on certain vehicles. On some cars, trucks, and SUVs, the engine is mounted within a subframe that will obstruct access to the oil pan. On these vehicles, you will often need to lift the engine from above to access the oil pan and gasket. This procedure may be beyond the skills of some home mechanics.

Checking the Oil Pan and Gasket

First, securely lift the front of the car with ramps or jack stands. After putting on safety goggles, check the oil pan area. Sometimes, the leak is obvious. Just because you see oil deposits on the pan doesn’t mean the gasket leaks. Oil may leak from above and drip down.

Spray the oil pan with a degreaser and use paper towels to wipe it clean. Then, drive the car and check if the oil leak happens again, pinpointing the source.

The gasket may leak if it is old or poorly installed or if your vehicle hits road debris or a speed bump. In either case, the repair is easy.

Cost of Repair

A quality gasket usually costs less than $25, while a replacement oil pan for popular makes and models is less than $100. Remember to buy the oil pan and gasket when you pick up the oil and oil filter. A shop will likely charge you for one to two hours of labor if they handle the cleaning.

Cork gasket

Remove and Replace

Here are the basic steps to follow to replace the oil pan gasket:

• Buy an gasket that matches your specific oil pan.
• Raise the car on secure jack stands or drive up onto a set of ramps. Chock the rear tires.
• Use safety gloves and eye protection.
• Get under the car to remove the oil filter and the drain plug.
• Use a wrench or socket to remove the oil pan bolts where the pan attaches to the engine block. Pay attention to where each bolt is located, as some bolts might be longer at certain spots.
• The oil pan should drop down. If it seems stuck and you are sure you have removed all the bolts, a gentle bump with a rubber mallet can unseat it from the engine block.
• The gasket is often stuck onto the flange. It might easily pull off, or you might need a plastic gasket scraper to remove any remnants. Avoid using a metal chisel or other sharp object, as the chisel might scar the metal flange.

Gasket scrapers

Installing the Oil Pan Gasket

Now that the oil pan is off, you have a few more steps to replace the pan or gasket.

• Look for creases or dings in the pan that might indicate contact with road debris.
• Place a long level across the edges of the oil pan flange to check for any gaps or uneven surfaces.
• If it needs to be replaced, buy the same style and model.
• Spray the edge of the flange with a degreaser to ensure a clean surface.
• Wipe with a lint-free cloth rag.
• A new gasket should come with specific instructions for installation.
• Use a gasket sealer or grease to hold the gasket in place.
• Place the oil pan and gasket against the engine block and install a few bolts loosely to hold the oil pan in place.
• Install all the remaining bolts loosely. Starting from the center of the oil pan, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts. Continue spiraling outward until all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Replace the oil drain plug and install a new oil filter.
• Add the required amount of oil of the correct weight. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
• Start the car and look for any accidental leaks.

Next, take the car off the jack stands or ramps. Drive for a few miles and then check again for leaks. The job is done only after you safely discard the oily rags and recycle the used oil. The whole process takes less than one hour.