How hard is it to replace the oil pan gasket on an '01??

MustangMike2001 · 09-11-2006, 04:41 PM

I have the entire front suspension and k frame off right now and I was wondering if I should replace the oil pan gasket while I'm at it? I'm not sure if oil pan leaks are common with these engines (3.8) or if it happens usually at any certain milage. I have 75k miles on it right now. I don't mind doing it now but it will set me back a little on getting finished and I will have to figure out how I'm going to support the engine b/c it's jacked up by the pan right now. If it's not a huge deal to replace without removing the frame or tranny then I'll just wait on it.

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04Mach1DD · 09-11-2006, 05:38 PM

GET THE DAM JACK OFF THE PAN!!!! NEVER PUT ANYTHING ON ITS PAN. I would reccomend doing that, it can hurt but check for damage now, also there was alot of pressure on the pan so you would probly NEED it.

amrcnidyot · 09-11-2006, 05:47 PM

im confused.....you put the jack on your oil pan??????? why?

Jefferson · 09-11-2006, 06:00 PM

Yikes!

MustangMike2001 · 09-11-2006, 07:29 PM

To support the engine while the cross member was off. So I'm guessing thats a yes I should chane my oil pan gasket lol. How am I supposed to hold the engine up while I do this?

Derf00 · 09-11-2006, 07:32 PM

umm..1) NEVER support the car or engine by the oil pan.
2) Unless it's leaking, don't mess with it. You'll probably end up causing a leak

I have an 00V6 with over 105K and I've never had a leak in the pan gasket.

edit: and you would need a cherry picker to support the engine while the K-member was off.

MustangMike2001 · 09-11-2006, 07:35 PM

I'm concerned about it b/c I just recently had to pull the tranny off my S10 to fix a oil pan and rear main seal leak. I don't want to have to go through that again with this car so I just wanted to know if I should do some preventive maintenance.

Derf00 · 09-11-2006, 07:37 PM

Rear main, sure why not if it's easily accessible. That one I would simply recommend since it's a single seal and not a gasket...Oil pan..nope..I wouldn't. Gaskets led themselves to leaks easier than a seal does when it comes to replacing.

MustangMike2001 · 09-11-2006, 07:46 PM

What damage would be done by supporting the engine by the pan?

Derf00 · 09-11-2006, 07:49 PM

the most obvious is a dented pan.
Also if you put the entire weight of the car on a pan you could crack the block and/or pan as well.