How to Replace a Ford Ranger Oil Pan Gasket
by Jeffrey Caldwell
The oil pan on a Ford Ranger pickup is mounted on the bottom of the engine block; it collects motor oil after the oil circulates through the engine. If you regularly notice a black puddle underneath your engine, it is a good sign that you have an oil pan leak. Engine oil leaks are not only environmentally hazardous--low oil levels can cause serous engine damage.
Draining the Oil Pan
Step 1
Disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal, by loosening the retaining bolt with a wrench. Pull the clamp off the terminal.
Step 2
Pull the oil dipstick from the dipstick tube with your hand.
Step 3
Place a waste oil collection pan underneath the connection between the transmission oil cooler lines and the radiator. Unscrew the transmission oil cooler line fittings from the radiator, using a line wrench.
Step 4
Raise the vehicle safely using an automotive jack. Support it with jack stands placed underneath the frame.
Step 5
Place a waste oil collection pan underneath the drain bolt on the bottom of the oil pan. Unscrew the drain bolt using a socket, and allow the oil to drain from the engine.
Removing the Oil Pan
Step 1
Label and disconnect the wires connected to the starter solenoid, using masking tape and a marker.
Step 2
Unscrew the bolts that secure the starter motor to the engine block, using a socket. Remove the starter motor from the vehicle.
Step 3
Unscrew the nuts and bolts that secure the head pipe to the exhaust manifold, using a socket and wrench. Slide the head pipe out of the way.
Step 4
Unscrew the bolts that secure the transmission oil cooler lines to the engine block, using a socket. Slide the lines out of the way.
Step 5
Unscrew the bolts that secure the oil pan to the engine block. Lower the oil pan away from the engine block and remove it from the vehicle.
Step 6
Clean the oil pan, using an automotive solvent and allow to air dry. Be sure to remove all the old gasket material from the gasket mating surface.
Step 7
Clean the gasket mating surface on the bottom of the engine block, using a flat razor blade. Be sure to remove all the old gasket material.
Installing the Oil Pan
Step 1
Place a light dab of RTV silicone sealant every two to three inches along the gasket mating surface on the oil pan.
Step 2
Lay the replacement gasket into position on the oil pan.
Step 3
Raise the oil pan into position underneath the engine block, using your hand.
Step 4
Screw in the bolts that secure the oil pan to the engine block, using a socket.
Step 5
Screw in the bolts that secure the transmission oil cooler lines to the engine block, using a socket.
Step 6
Slide the head pipe into position at the rear of the exhaust manifold. Screw in the bolts that secure the head pipe to the exhaust manifold using a socket.
Installing the Starter Motor
Step 1
Raise the starter motor into position against the engine block. Screw in the bolts that secure it, using a socket.
Step 2
Reconnect the wiring harness to the starter motor, using the labels you made during disassembly.
Step 3
Screw the oil pan drain bolt into the bottom of the oil pan, using a socket.
Step 4
Screw the transmission oil cooler line fittings into the radiator, using a line wrench.
Step 5
Slide the oil dipstick into the dipstick tube, using your hand.
Testing and Inspecting for Leaks
Step 1
Lower the vehicle.
Step 2
Reconnect the ground cable to the negative battery terminal. Slide the clamp over the terminal and tighten the retaining bolt, using a wrench.
Step 3
Fill the engine with oil according to the specifications listed in the Ranger's owner’s manual.
Step 4
Run the engine and and check the transmission oil level, using the procedure outlined in the owner’s manual.
References
- "Ford: Ranger/Explorer/Mountaineer 1991-99 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manual)"; The Nichols/Chilton Editors; 1999
- "Chilton's Ford Bronco II/Explorer/Ranger 1983-91 Repair Manual"; Chilton Book Company; 1991
- "Ford Ranger Pick-ups: 1993 thru 2008 (Haynes Repair Manual)"; Max Haynes; 2009
Tips
- Most auto parts stores will recycle waste motor oil at no cost.
Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Waste oil collection pan
- Line wrench
- Automotive jack
- Jack stands
- Socket set
- Masking tape
- Marker
- Automotive solvent
- Flat razor blade
- RTV silicone sealant
- Replacement oil pan gasket
- Motor oil
- Ford Ranger owner's manual
Warnings
- Always follow the instructions listed in the owner's manual when lifting and lowering a vehicle. Failure to do so could cause injury or death.
- Prolonged contact with used engine oil can cause serious skin disorders, including cancer. Wear protective gloves when handling used oil.
Writer Bio
Jeffrey Caldwell has been a freelance writer for over five months and has published over 250 articles on websites like eHow and Trails.com. Caldwell writes articles on a wide range of topics including travel, camping and automotive mechanics. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Millersville University.
