This procedure covers removal and replacement of the oil pan on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including front differential lowering and subframe support.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Oil pan × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Motorcraft
• RTV silicone sealant (Motorcraft TA-357) × 1 — TA-357

Fluids

• Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend engine oil — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
3. Disconnect negative battery cable
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
5. Remove engine splash shield and skid plates if equipped
6. Place oil drain pan under drain plug

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
   Remove oil drain plug and allow oil to drain completely into drain pan. This may take 10-15 minutes. Remove oil filter and allow additional oil to drain. Clean drain plug threads and inspect for damage. Install new crush washer on drain plug.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove front skid plate and crossmember
   Remove bolts securing front skid plate if equipped. Remove the front crossmember bolts to provide access to front differential mounting points. Support crossmember while removing final bolts.
3. 3

   Support and lower front differential
   Place transmission jack or adjustable jack stand under front differential housing. Remove front differential mounting bolts. Carefully lower differential approximately 4-5 inches to provide clearance for oil pan removal. Do not disconnect axle shafts or driveshaft.
   ⚠Ensure differential is securely supported before removing mounting bolts. Verify axle shafts have adequate flex range before lowering.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect wiring and sensors
   Disconnect electrical connectors from oil level sensor and oil temperature sensor if equipped. Carefully move wiring harnesses out of work area. Label connectors for reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove oil pan bolts
   Remove all oil pan mounting bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outside toward center). There are approximately 20 bolts securing the oil pan. Keep bolts organized as some may be different lengths in different positions.
   ℹ️Some bolts may be hidden behind differential or other components. Use ratcheting wrenches for tight-access areas.
6. 6

   Remove oil pan
   Carefully break oil pan seal by gently prying at designated pry points (cast bosses on pan). Do not pry against machined gasket surfaces. Work pan free by tilting and maneuvering around front differential and steering components. This may require rotating pan and removing at an angle.
   ⚠Residual oil will spill when pan is removed. Position drain pan to catch spillage.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean oil pickup tube
   Inspect oil pump pickup tube and screen for debris or damage. If removing pickup tube for cleaning or replacement, remove mounting bolts. Clean pickup screen thoroughly if contamination is present. Inspect O-ring seal and replace if damaged.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Clean gasket surfaces
   Use plastic gasket scraper to remove all old gasket material from engine block and oil pan mating surfaces. Clean surfaces with degreaser and lint-free towels. Ensure all RTV silicone residue is completely removed. Inspect surfaces for damage, warping, or cracks.
   ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces as this will cause damage and leaks. Use only plastic scrapers.
9. 9

   Install new oil pan gasket
   Apply small dabs of RTV silicone at engine block corners and where timing cover meets block. Install new oil pan gasket onto engine block, ensuring alignment pins engage properly. Apply thin bead of RTV to gasket at front and rear main seal junctions per Ford specification.
   ℹ️Pan must be installed within 10 minutes of RTV application. Do not use excessive RTV as it can squeeze into oil passages.
10. 10

    Install oil pan
    Carefully maneuver oil pan into position, tilting and angling around front differential. Align pan with gasket and dowel pins. Start all oil pan bolts by hand before tightening any. Verify gasket remains properly positioned.
    ℹ️Installation angle is critical. Front of pan typically must angle upward first, then rotate into final position.
11. 11

    Torque oil pan bolts in sequence
    Tighten oil pan bolts in proper sequence starting from center and working outward in a crisscross pattern. First pass: snug all bolts finger tight. Second pass: torque all bolts to specification in sequence. Third pass: verify all bolts at final torque.
    ⚠Do not overtighten oil pan bolts. Aluminum pan will warp and cause leaks. Use calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Raise and secure front differential
    Using transmission jack, carefully raise front differential back to original position. Align mounting bolt holes and install mounting bolts. Torque differential mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sensors and install crossmember
    Reconnect oil level sensor and oil temperature sensor electrical connectors. Install front crossmember and torque mounting bolts to specification. Install front skid plate if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install oil filter and fill with oil
    Install new oil filter per manufacturer instructions. Pre-fill filter with fresh oil and lubricate gasket. Install drain plug with new crush washer and torque to specification. Fill engine with 6 quarts of Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend oil.
    Torque spec

    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install splash shields and lower vehicle
    Install engine splash shield and any removed skid plates or covers. Torque all fasteners to specification. Double-check all connections and bolts. Lower vehicle from jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Allow RTV silicone to cure for minimum 30 minutes before starting engine
2. Do not operate engine at high RPM for first 10 minutes to allow gasket to seat
3. Verify oil drain plug and filter are tight before starting engine

Verification

• Start engine and verify oil pressure light extinguishes within 5 seconds
• Inspect under vehicle for leaks while engine is running at idle for 5 minutes
• Turn off engine, wait 5 minutes, then check oil level and top off if necessary
• Re-inspect for leaks after test drive and overnight parking
• Verify no leaks from oil pan gasket, drain plug, or filter after 100 miles of driving

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