How to Repair an Oil Pan Gasket

Repairing an oil pan gasket is not the safest thing you can do for your vehicle; you can replace the gasket much more quickly and safely. An oil pan gasket serves as the seal between the oil pan and the engine block. The gasket keeps the oil inside the oil pan and helps maintain the pressure in the pan. You will need tools specific for your vehicle and about an hour to replace the gasket.

• 1

  Lift the vehicle's front end using the car jack. Lower the front end onto jack stands to support the vehicle safely while you work.

• 2

  Position yourself under the oil pan. Place the drain pan under the plug on the bottom of the oil pan, and remove the plug using the ratchet set. Drain the oil into the drain pan. Replace the plug, and tighten it until snug.

• 3

  Remove the bolts from around the edge of the oil pan using the ratchet set. Tap the sides of the oil pan with your hand until it comes off the engine block. Scrape the stock gasket from the edge of the oil pan using the razor blade.

• 4

  Remove the plastic seal from the edge of the replacement gasket. Place the sticky side of the gasket onto the edge of the oil pan. Place the gasket flush along the edge of the oil pan.

• 5

  Place the oil pan onto the bottom of the engine block. Replace the bolts to the edge of the oil pan, and tighten then in the pattern and to your specific vehicle's torque specifications.