Oil pan: everything you need to know
Content
The oil pan is one of the components of your engine. In the form of a tank, it collects engine oil, which is used to lubricate all the mechanical parts of the system. There are two main types of oil pan. So it can be dry or wet depending on the make and model of the car.
💧 How does the oil pan work?
The oil pan, the lowest part of your car's engine, serves as a reservoir for the engine oil used for lubrication of engine components... Very durable, it can be made of aluminum, sheet metal, but mostly steel or, more recently, plastic.
Placed under the crankshaft, it collects oil that has previously passed through the oil pump and oil filter to trap any impurities present in the engine oil.
Currently, two types of oil maps are used on different car models:
- Wet oil pan : Stores used engine oil. It is the most used model because it is less prone to breakage than dry sump. In addition, it allows better control of the engine oil level when the level of the latter is to be reached.
- Dry oil pan : It does not store directly the engine oil, which is sucked in by the recuperation pump, which sends it to the reserve tank, also known as the oil tank. It provides more efficient oil cooling as it has a radiator. This type of crankcase can be found on sports or luxury cars.
Replacing the oil pan occurs very rarely; the crankcase gasket of this crankcase deserves special maintenance. However, in some special situations a complete replacement of the crankcase is required.
⚠️ What are the symptoms of an HS oil pan?
The oil pan is known for its rugged durability, but sometimes it can no longer perform its function due to a malfunction. In this case, you will have the following symptoms:
- Carter damaged : The coating shows impact marks, is deformed or even completely broken with cracks that cause the used engine oil to leak out.
- Le Drain plug stuck : If you have a dry oil pan, you also need to check the condition of the oil pan as well as the bleed screws.
- The drain plug thread is damaged. : If the engine oil cannot be changed, the entire oil pan must be replaced.
If you are experiencing an engine oil leak under your vehicle, the problem is not with the oil pan itself, but with the gasket. Indeed, he lost tightness and let the engine oil flow.
👨🔧 How to change the oil pan gasket?
If the oil pan gasket is broken, you can replace it yourself if you have a good knowledge of automotive mechanics. Use our guide to complete each step.
Required material:
- Jack
- Toolbox
- Oil drip tray
- New oil pan gasket
- Engine oil canister
Step 1. Raise the car.
To access the oil pan, you will need to jack the vehicle up.
Step 2: Change the engine oil.
Start by placing a drip tray under the vehicle, then remove the oil filter with a wrench. Then remove the drain plug and let the oil drain.
Step 3. Replace the oil pan gasket.
Remove the bolts from the crankcase, then carefully remove it. Then remove the faulty gasket and clean the crankcase. Install a new seal and press firmly around the contour.
Step 4: add engine oil
After reassembling the crankcase and removing the vehicle from the jack, you can refill the engine oil reservoir under the hood.
💸 How much does it cost to replace the oil pan?
On average, a new crankcase costs from 80 € and 350 € depending on the model and brand. To change it, you need 1 to 2 hours of work an experienced mechanic. Overall, this is an intervention that will cost you from 130 € and 500 € depending on the selected garage.
An oil pan is essential for proper engine oil recovery. If your oil pan or its seal is damaged, use our online garage comparator to be replaced by the professional closest to you and at the best price!
