1999 Ford Ranger Oil Pan Gasket?

Question

I have an oil pan gasket problem, one day i went to the local store went in came out and i locked my keys in the truck with it running, i had to call my gf to come let me in which it took her an hour to get to me, mean while right before she came i noticed an oil puddle under the truck, luck for me she got to me in time, i was able to get it home with no problems, anyways i looked under the truck and found that the oil pan gasket had been pushed out from the front of the pan, i read my chilton and it said that the motor had to be pulled to put a new gasket in, i loosened a couple of bolts that i was able to reach and push the rubber gasket back in place and tightened it back up, my question is what would have made that gasket pop out like that ? and my warrenty will not cover the gasket, if i had to have it changed how much do you think it will cost, Thank you to everyone that replys,

Answer 1

The best thing for you to do is to have the pan gasket replaced. I do not believe that the motor has to be pulled. I have a 98 ranger, and the oil pan is right there in plain view with no obstructions. Chilton is not a reliable repair manual anyway. You say that you have already loosened a couple of the bolts, did you look to see if the pan would just come down if all the bolts were removed? There should be nothing in the way for you to do this job. Just drain the motor oil, remove all bolts, you may have to "tap" the pan with a rubber hammer to break it free, just clean it up, get you a new gasket, put you a thin film of gasket sealent on the pan's gasket surface, (just enough to hold the gasket in place for assembly) put the bolts back in, and tighen them to where the gasket just starts to squeeze, but not too much. put oil back in the engine, check for leaks. now as far as the reason the gasket pushed out could be crankcase pressure, just as a safe measure, replace the PCV valve, they are relatively cheap, you can clean them, but for the cost of a new one, just get a new one.

Answer 2

I can't speak for all cars, but usually you don't need to pull out the entire engine just to replace an oil pan gasket. But with newer fords, who knows? LOL

It can start to leak just from age. I don't think leaving your car running did anything. The oil pan is just that- a big pan. There is a tube hooked to a pump that pulls oil out of it and up through the engine, but it's not like the space in that pan is under lots of pressure.

I'd talk to my mechanic to get a repair estimate. In the meatime keep a very careful watch on your oil level. The big danger is that oil gets low and you damage the engine. I don't trust the Oil Low light to come on soon enough.

Answer 3

I dont comprehend how the ranger is yet i comprehend in a ninety one aerostar they left the engine contained in the van and they had to take the muffler, starter, and a great number of different stuff off to interchange it and the entire for exertions on my own became $250.00 yet you received't locate everyone lower priced to do it. it does not be puzzling in spite of the indisputable fact that it could be very very very time eating and also you more effective perfect comprehend what your doing till now you even commence messing with the oil pan gasket.

Answer 4

the gasket probably split and squeezed out from pressure, you should have it replaced, some people loosen the bolts and sqeeze a sealant in there like silicon, & then retighten the bolts, I wouldn't recommend that.

Answer 5

Have you checked your PCV valve....sounds like your getting a buildup of crank case pressure.....If it is pressure,better get that fixed before your main seals fall out on the road.