ford f150 oil pan gasket...

[silosounds]

I need to change the oilpan gasket on this f150 1993 pickup . does anyone know any problems to watch out for, any short cuts or advice on the process?

[Beeman]

Originally Posted by silosounds

I need to change the oilpan gasket on this f150 1993 pickup . does anyone know any problems to watch out for, any short cuts or advice on the process?

What engine? 2wd,4wd?

On most Ford trucks the oil pan cannot be removed with the engine in the truck. The oil pan gasket is a 1 piece rubber gasket which squeezes out and leaks. I have dropped the pan a few inches, cut the gasket and cleaned everything spotless. I then worked the gasket around the outside of the pan and into position and then reinstalled the pan. Of course I did this on a lift which makes it a little easier.

[seedspreader]

I have (unfortunately) done this a time or five before. Sometimes (especially on the 4wd's) you have to loosen the motor mounts and jack up the engine in order to drop the pan.

It's very trick to get the portions in the front and rear (what used to be called a rear main seal) up in and sealed correctly on the one piece rubber gaskets.

[silosounds]

This truck is only 2wd,extened cab, short bed, v8. I guess this is what I was fearing. When I saw the clearance between the oilpan and frontend only has about 3 inches at the most and its really hard to get the bolts out in the front portion of the pan. I guess ill just jump in and getter done. it probably isnt as bad as writing a check for the machanic in town to do it he wanted 500.00 bucks . What do I need to seal the gasket any kind of sealer ? or do they seal them self with just the gasket material. Is there one type of gasket better than the other I only want to do this once.

[seedspreader]

Originally Posted by silosounds

This truck is only 2wd,extened cab, short bed, v8. I guess this is what I was fearing. When I saw the clearance between the oilpan and frontend only has about 3 inches at the most and its really hard to get the bolts out in the front portion of the pan. I guess ill just jump in and getter done. it probably isnt as bad as writing a check for the machanic in town to do it he wanted 500.00 bucks . What do I need to seal the gasket any kind of sealer ? or do they seal them self with just the gasket material. Is there one type of gasket better than the other I only want to do this once.

If you ask a purist mechanic, no you don't need any RTV silicone gasket sealant.

Me... I ain't a purist. I use the blue or the high heat (black) RTV and make sure the four corners around the crankshaft main bearings have a nice bead and then I put a bead around the oil pan surface also.

[silosounds]

Okey, Ill give it a try. Thanks for the info Terry in ks.

[Esteban29304]

Good advice above. Just make SURE the job is done RIGHT the first time !! Too much work & aggravation to have to redo it again !!!!!

[Beeman]

Do not put any sealer on a one piece rubber gasket! The sealer will cause leaks and what slips into the pan side will come off and clog the oil screen. Cleanliness is the key to sealing the pan.
The biggest problem about removing a Ford V-8 oil pan is that the oil pump is in the frt. of the motor which is why the pan has a bulge in the frt. I have dropped the pan and jacked the motor off the mounts. You can then drop the oil pump into the pan and remove the pan with the pump in it. This is not easy and can be dangerous if you don't have everything held securely. Reinstallaton with this method requires a contortionist that doesn't mind pain but it is possible.

[sleeps]

the rubber gaskets are reusable also

[Northman]

they (ford rubber oilpan gaskets) are NOT reusable.

[ponyboy123]

go with a cork gasket and as stated be4, cleanliness, cleanliness, cleanliness. I have gone as far as to use ether to clean the surfaces to ensure a good clean seal. be sure to clean all ether reside from all parts before reinstalling.

[posifour11]

i have had to replace gaskets on inline 6 cly. fords. for those i would suggest a rubber gasket. on my 90, the pan cannot be removed without pulling the engine.

for the others, i do suggest cork. but, i'm no expert on anything.