Oil Pan Gasket Replacement
What is an engine oil pan gasket?
The oil pan gasket seals the surfaces between the oil pan and the lower part of the engine block.
How does the engine oil pan gasket work?
The engine's oil pan is attached to the bottom of the engine. It holds the engine's oil capacity, acting as a reservoir for oil circulating through the engine's oil passages. The oil pan gasket is sandwiched between the bottom of the engine block and the oil pan to keep circulating oil inside the engine.
What are the symptoms related to a bad engine oil pan gasket?
An oil leak may be noted on the ground where the vehicle is parked. However, many vehicles have plastic trays underneath the engine that may catch leaking oil and conceal the leak. In such cases, a low oil level, a burning oil smell, or even smoke from oil burning in the engine bay may be noted.
»MORE: Signs of a bad oil pan gasket
Can I drive with a engine oil pan gasket problem?
A vehicle can still be driven with a leaking oil pan. However, it will become necessary to check the oil and top the oil level off more often. A leaking oil pan increases the risk of driving with insufficient oil in the engine, starving oil driven parts. Damage to timing chain tensioners, camshaft bearings, crankshaft bearings, and other oil lubricated components is probable if the vehicle is driven with low oil.
How often do engine oil pan gaskets need to be replaced?
Repair intervals vary greatly by vehicle and driving conditions. The oil pan gasket does not wear like a tire or a ball joint, but eventually the gasket's rubber or cork will degrade to the point of leakage. Often, leakage of the oil pan gasket is visible during normal servicing (such as an oil change) so it typically doesn't go unseen for too long.