Replace Oil Pan

An automobile is one of the most amazing and complex machines, that you will come across. The power of a car emanates from its heart, which is the car engine. Like the incessant beat of a human heart, car engine is also constantly functional when the car is in motion. With constant high pressure and moving metallic car parts, heat and friction can wear an engine down. That is why an engine needs constant lubrication and cooling. This purpose is served by the oil pan from which lubricant oil is pumped around, in the engine.

To prolong the life span of a car engine, it needs to be lubricated and cooled during operation. This function is facilitated by oil pan, which is the oil pool, from which oil pump draws oil and distributes it over to engine parts. In case of a leakage or damage, this lubrication mechanism is hampered and it leads to a decrease in engine efficiency. That is why, it's crucial that you replace the pan when it's damaged or leaking.

When to Replace Oil Pan
There are some sure signs to watch out for, which can give you an indirect indication that an oil pan replacement is imminent. If you have lately noticed oil on the garage floor or an oil trail following your car's path, it's a sign that the pan is leaking. Many times either the pan is worn out and has developed a hole, or the gasket has broken. You need to ensure that the oil pan and not just the gasket has developed the problem. If it's only the gasket that has developed a problem, then there is no need to replace the entire pan. Just replace the gasket. If it's indeed so, that the oil pan has worn out, then go for a replacement immediately. In case you replace the pan, go for a gasket replacement too.

Tools & Supplies
Prior to going ahead with elucidation of the oil pan replacement procedure, let me list all the tools and supplies you'll need to get the job done. The tools and equipment you'll need to get the job done are:

• Ratchet Along With a Socket Wrench Set
• A Crescent Wrench
• A New Pan
• A New Gasket
• Adequate Supply of Motor Lubrication Oil

Replacement Procedure
The procedure to replacing a pan is not very easy, but if you are willing to apply yourself and like pulling off such do-it-yourself jobs, then you can do it without any hiccups. Firstly, gain access to the pan and drain oil from it. To do that, locate the drain bolt of the pan, from the pan bottom and remove the plug, using a crescent wrench. Let the oil pour in a clean container or an oil catching pan available in hardware stores.

Next part is removing the old pan. To do that, locate attachment bolts and remove them using a socket and ratchet wrench. There will be quite a few bolts to remove as the pan is very securely attached to the engine underside.

After the bolts are off, pan can be easily removed and lowered down to the ground. When you remove it, the old gasket will be ripped off from the engine. Clean and scrape off dirt from the underside of engine where the pan is normally attached.

Next prepare the new oil gasket for installation. You need to attach a new gasket to the new oil pan before fixing it in place. Make sure that gasket sticks to the pan properly and does not block any holes left for bolts. With the gasket in place, new pan is ready for installation. Line up the new pan, along with affixed gasket, with bolt holes and fix it in positions, by putting bolts in place. Tighten all the bolts. Make sure that the pan is firmly attached.

Refill the new pan with four to five quarts of lubrication oil. Use the oil, which is recommended by the manufacturer. Check and ensure that there are no leaks. See to it that the oil drain plug is fixed securely in place. With that, the job is accomplished. You can rest easy as all the oil leak problems are all taken care of.

It is quite a straightforward job that you can do on your own. In the process, you also save substantially on the replacement cost. That is the prime benefit of dealing with car problems on your own. You save money and also get a chance to better appreciate the inner workings of your car.