Oil Pan Gasket

[Squddle]

Anyone had a problem with their Ford Ranger oil pan gasket? I just noticed that mine is coming out right where it is a “U” shape. The ford dealer wants $800 to replace it due to the fact you have to remove the engine to get it done. They also said that the rangers with 3.0 4wheel drive are known for this problem. The new gaskets come with plastic inside rubber and hold in place alot better.
I could do it, but with my current situation I don’t have the room in my garage for that. I was wondering if it might be possible to maybe loosen some of the bolts and jab it back in place with a screwdriver? Would it hold, or should I just bite the bullet and get it done. I just replaced the clutch, release bearing, and pressure plate and now this. :unsure:

Topic

[Daniel]

You can try it. Just remember it’s gonna be a gamble cause of the oil pump and everything. You may want to leave the old gasket in place until you get the new gasket positioned. Good luck, let us know what happens.

[blacK20]

What year ranger?

[Rick]

I’m not familiar with your particular vehicle’s oil pan, but I wouldn’t recommend loosening the pan and shoving the gasket back in. Most likely I think you’d end up pinching the gasket, compromising the seal, and creating a more serious leak. I had a slow leak in my gasket and was able to drive my vehicle for a couple months before I replaced it. $800 also sounds like a ridiculous price to play, do you have to drop a section of the exhaust? If you do it yourself, it’s really not that much of a chore, most of the work comes from getting other components out of the way and removing upwards of 20 (10 mm I think) bolts. An air ratchet definitely comes in handy. Consult a service manual too, I had to add RTV to 4 parting lines on the crank case, but definitely do not add it all the way around as you defeat the purpose of the gasket.

[Bruce]

All Ford 3.0 are known for this problem, not just 4wd Rangers. The front of the oil pan gasket will work its way out. Take it somewhere else $800 is a little high for that job. What year is it?

[Squddle]

[attachment]gasket.jpg[/attachment]
It’s a 1999. They said the motor will have to be removed to replace the gasket. I’ll attach a picture of it. It doesn’t seem to leak much at all, but after seeing how far it’s out, I won’t be surprised if it leaks alot. I haven’t had much opportunity to drive it since I got it. First the brake master cylinder went. Then the clutch release bearing went. I now see this and just want it all fixed. I only have 1 day a week to work on it. and winter’s coming fast.

[Daniel]

I have nothing really against Fords bit they always put that damned cross member there. It’s a pain which is one reason I typically stay away from owning any fords.

[EricTheCarGuy]

I don’t think you’ll have a lot of success trying to ‘jam’ it in there. I don’t think you need to remove the engine fully. I think all you need to do is lift it up enough to gain clearance. Of course for that you’ll need an engine hoist. You might also shop around for a shop with a better price. Keep in mind a better price doesn’t always mean a better job. Sometimes spending more for a quality repair can actually SAVE you money in the long run.

[Author]

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