oil pan leak

[kenwheeler]

My son's '94 3.0 4x4 is leaking oil from the front of the pan. I can see part of the gasket has worked its way out. From what I've read here, this will require some major stuff to replace, most posts suggest removing the entire engine and I read one post where the driver dropped the front axle, yikes.

Is it possible to drop the starter and loosen the pan bolts just enough to push the bad part of the gasket back in? Maybe get some permetx sealant in there?

 

[kenwheeler]

Does anyone know about the oil pan gasket? I can only help my son fix this thing on the weekends because I'm on the road all week. The longer it takes, the more he uses my Ranger. Do I have to raise the motor? Or worse, remove the engine? Thanks, Ken.

 

[basketranger]

if money is an object you can try the starter removal and loosen all bolts just to the point of being able to make edge of gasket uniform (should be able to see it all the way around pan) then snug her back down. gasket is "reusable" unless torn. and if torn easiest is to pull engine or at least undo motor mounts and lift up, taking care of the distributor.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

its always easier to change it with the motor out cause you can just put it on a stand and flip it pan side up, but it is doable in the truck. drain the oil, take the cap and rotor off the distributor (otherwise theyll get smashed into the firewall), take the nuts off the motor mounts, disconnect the y-pipe from the converter (3 rusted bolts), remove the starter, then jack up the engine high enough to stick a piece or 2 of 2x4 under each motor mount to hold it up as high as it will go. now take the pan down far enough to clean up the gasket surfaces and put a little ultra black on it and put everything back together.

 

[fourwheelford]

I changed mine in my 2000 ranger by loosening the tranny and sliding it back about an inch and dropping the pan, I couldn't get it all the way down but I was able to clear about 3 inches to work with. I was able to scoot the new pan gasket past the oil pump after cleaning the crap out of both surfaces. My truck is lifted though so that may be what made it easier.

 

[Ranger44]

Remove the trans, and move the engine as much as you need with a strap or engine hoist. If you take the engine out you'll still have to disconnect the trans.

This is how I got my pan off, and sealed.