Oil pan gaskets are rather easy to replace on most cars, except many Fords. Look for a cross member that runs under the engine and is in the way of removing the pan. If there is, the engine will have to be lifted enough so the pan can be dropped about 10 - 12 inches before it can be slid out of the way. It's common to damage distributors and wiper motors when lifting the engines.
Some people will lift the engine just enough so they can lower the pan enough to get their hand in there and remove the oil pump pickup screen. That makes sliding the pan out easier but then they struggle trying to get that pickup tube back in place. I never did one that way; I want to see clearly that I have everything back together properly.
Also be aware that Ford has way more than their share of rusted out oil pans that leak on the sides. The only fix for that is a new pan.
May 28, 2011 at 5:57 AM
