4.0 OHV Oil pan gasket replacement

[e21pilot]

The A4LD in my 1992 2wd Ranger is going to be pulled out of the truck for a while and I was wondering if this makes it easy to remove the oil pan to replace the leaking gasket. I had heard the 4.0 OHV V6 had to be pulled out to do this and I was hoping that is not the case.

 

[NakedDucks]

It has to be pulled. Or at least jacked up, which is basically pulling it.

Part of the pan has to be lined up with a straight edge, so in my opinion, pulling the engine is best bc you have complete access.

And while it’s out, may as well replace all the gaskets.

Just my opinion.

 

[e21pilot]

I don't have an engine puller but I do have a floor jack. How high must it be lifted to clear the crank/oil pump pickup? Is the transmission and starter are missing, I figured it would be easier to take out at this time. If i could undo the motor mounts and lift it with a floor jack, I could put some wooden blocks in as spacers between the mounts to hold it up while I am taking the pan off. Just have to figure out how to put the jack to lift it with the transmission missing.

 

[NakedDucks]

I’m sure it’s possible, but not very safe with a floor jack.

A motor hoist is best in the situation. You can homemake an A-Frame with 6x6 or 4x4 posts if you are so inclined.

 

[e21pilot]

That's an idea. Once I get the block elevated, am I right that the pan gasket is simple to replace? Does it need any silicone in spots or is it good enough to use the gasket with the correct bolt torque?

 

[NakedDucks]

Anywhere the block meets another part (front or rear cover) or when a pan dips down to go around the front or rear valley of the crankshaft.

 

[e21pilot]

I'm going to give this a try. If I am successful in getting it elevated, I'll need to buy a good pan gasket. Since this is a difficult job, I wonder if there is a recommended gasket set to buy, or just go with whats at the local parts store. I really don't mind paying a little extra for a better gasket if it will prevent me from having to do this job again!

 

[rumblecloud]

I'm going to give this a try. If I am successful in getting it elevated, I'll need to buy a good pan gasket. Since this is a difficult job, I wonder if there is a recommended gasket set to buy, or just go with whats at the local parts store. I really don't mind paying a little extra for a better gasket if it will prevent me from having to do this job again!

I've used Fel-Pro through Rock Auto and never had a bad experience. Others may have a different "favorite" so give 'em some time to make their recommendations.

 

[Shran]

Your silicone question depends on what gasket you use... some 4.0 oil pan gaskets specifically say DO NOT USE RTV.

I would not use a floor jack. I can't see how you could position it to work at all... the engine really needs to be lifted from above somehow. I haven't done a 4.0 pan gasket with the engine in the truck... I think it's possible, you can definitely do a 4 cylinder that way without even lifting the engine and the pan on that is very similiar to a 4.0 pan.

Not sure what part needs to be lined up with a straight edge - I've always just kinda dropped the pan on and slowly sucked it down with the bolts... it self centers into its happy zone. The timing cover is far more critical though.

 

[SABAR001]

Having been in the field for 40+years and a GM Master technician retired I seen about everything, however this truck was willed to me and has been a great truck. I have had it for about 11 years and have had no major problems thus far. Now the truck has 260000 miles on it and the pan has been weeping for some time so I figured I will address it. Looking at it it appears to be quite snug and jacking the engine up is my only choice as I don't have a cherry picker or a lift. I know the fan and shroud need to be loosened and I was wondering how high to jack it up? any thoughts?

 

[rumblecloud]

Did you ever resolve your main seal replacement issue?
Not sure exactly how high the engine has to be lifted. I have read on this forum that someone has raised it just enough to slide gasket in through the gap ..minimal lift.

 

[MaicoDoug]

I swear that my 4.0 oil pan gasket is leaking, then looking more it turns out the leak in coming from a more common spot, the rear of the valve cover and draining down, which is hard to spot, but that's the issue, not the oil pan which is where it ends up dripping on the ground from. Good luck.

 

[jballard81]

I don't have an engine puller but I do have a floor jack. How high must it be lifted to clear the crank/oil pump pickup? Is the transmission and starter are missing, I figured it would be easier to take out at this time. If i could undo the motor mounts and lift it with a floor jack, I could put some wooden blocks in as spacers between the mounts to hold it up while I am taking the pan off. Just have to figure out how to put the jack to lift it with the transmission missing.

I just replaced my engine mounts and had to jack up the engine using a bottle jack. Being a 4x4 the only reasonable place for the jack was the oil pan itself.

Might be able to hoist it using a chain probably after removing the hood.