Oil Pan Removal on an Excursion
- Locate the oil pan underneath the motor. Draining the engine oil will make this task easier. Locate the engine oil drain plug at the bottom of the drain pan. Unscrew the drain plug with a crescent wrench. Allow the engine oil to drain until empty. Install the drain plug when the oil is finished draining. Contact an automotive parts store or the recycling center for information on disposing of the old engine oil.
- Locate the bolts holding the drain pan in place. You will notice the lip around the drain pan and several bolts located around the pan. Unbolt each of those bolts with a socket wrench. If the drain pan is loose when removing the final bolts hold it in place with a spare hand while you loosen and remove the final bolts. In some cases the drain pan may be frozen by the old gasket material. Tap the drain pan with a hammer till the pan works loose. Lower the pan to the ground.
- Where the oil pan was attached to the bottom of the motor you will notice a buildup of gasket material. Remove this gasket material with a putty knife or a razor blade. Clean the surface free of any black residue. You will need to do the same with the drain pan. You can also wipe the oil pan out to free it from any debris or sediment that may have gathered. You can use brake cleaner to ensure the oil pan is clean. Spray the brake cleaner toward the inside of the pan and wipe off with a cloth. This will remove any dirt or debris. Do not use soap and water to clean the oil pan.
Draining Engine Oil
Removing the Drain Pan
Cleaning the Oil Pan
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