Oil Pan Gasket

Replace the oil pan gasket on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, requiring front differential lowering and partial front subframe/crossmember removal to access the oil pan.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Oil pan gasket kit × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Oil pickup tube O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Motorcraft FL-910-S or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend engine oil — 7.5 qt
• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil (front differential) — 1.5 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 skid plate/splash shield if equipped
6. Remove front wheels for access to subframe mounting bolts

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain engine oil and front differential
   Place drain pan under oil pan drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow oil to drain completely. While draining, place a second drain pan under the front differential and remove the front differential drain plug. Allow both to drain completely.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove oil filter and oil level sensor
   Remove the oil filter using an appropriate filter wrench. Disconnect the electrical connector from the oil level sensor on the oil pan, then remove the oil level sensor from the pan.
3. 3

   Install engine support and remove cooling components
   Install an engine support bar across the engine bay or attach an engine hoist to support engine weight. Drain a small amount of coolant if necessary and disconnect the lower radiator hose from the oil pan area if it interferes with removal. Label and disconnect any wiring harnesses attached to the crossmember.
   ⚠Engine must be properly supported before lowering subframe. Verify support is secure and engine cannot shift.
4. 4

   Support and lower front differential
   Place a transmission jack or sturdy adjustable jack stand under the front differential. Remove the front differential mounting bolts that attach it to the subframe/crossmember. Carefully lower the differential approximately 2-3 inches to create clearance, keeping it supported on the jack.
5. 5

   Partially lower front subframe
   Place a transmission jack under the front subframe/crossmember on each side. Loosen (but do not remove) all subframe mounting bolts. Carefully lower the subframe approximately 2 inches on both sides evenly. Monitor clearance and ensure no hoses, wires, or lines are being stressed.
   ⚠️Support subframe on both sides equally. Uneven lowering can damage steering components and brake lines.
6. 6

   Remove oil pan bolts
   Working from underneath, remove all oil pan bolts. There are approximately 16-20 bolts around the perimeter. Keep bolts organized as some may be different lengths. Note the location of any bolt bosses or alignment dowels.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Separate and remove oil pan
   The oil pan may be stuck to the block with old gasket material and sealant. Gently tap the pan with a rubber mallet or use a plastic pry tool at designated pry points (typically at corners). Do not pry between sealing surfaces. Once loose, carefully lower the pan, tilting it to maneuver around the oil pickup tube and out past the crossmember.
   ⚠Do not damage sealing surfaces on the engine block or oil pan. Never use metal tools between sealing surfaces.
8. 8

   Remove and inspect oil pickup tube
   Remove the two bolts securing the oil pickup tube to the engine block. Carefully remove the pickup tube and inspect the O-ring for damage. Check the pickup screen for debris or damage. Replace the O-ring with the new one from the gasket kit.
   ℹ️The O-ring must be replaced. A damaged or old O-ring can cause oil starvation and catastrophic engine failure.
9. 9

   Clean all sealing surfaces
   Using a plastic gasket scraper, carefully remove all old gasket material from the oil pan and engine block sealing surfaces. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Inspect for any damage, warping, or deep scratches. The surfaces must be completely clean and dry before installing the new gasket.
   ⚠Any remaining gasket material or debris will cause oil leaks. Take time to ensure surfaces are perfectly clean.
10. 10

    Install new gasket and prepare oil pan
    Install the new oil pan gasket onto the oil pan, ensuring it is properly seated in the groove. Apply a small bead of RTV silicone sealant (Motorcraft TA-357) at the front and rear corners where the timing cover and rear main seal housing meet the engine block (these are common leak points). Install the oil level sensor with a new O-ring if provided.
11. 11

    Reinstall oil pickup tube
    Lubricate the new O-ring on the oil pickup tube with clean engine oil. Carefully install the pickup tube into the engine block, ensuring the O-ring seats properly. Install and hand-tighten both mounting bolts, then torque to specification.
12. 12

    Install oil pan
    Carefully lift the oil pan into position, maneuvering it around the oil pickup tube and past the crossmember. Align the pan with the engine block. Install all oil pan bolts hand-tight, starting from the center and working outward. Torque all bolts to specification in a spiral pattern from the center outward to ensure even gasket compression.
    ⚠Follow the torque specification exactly and tighten in sequence. This is critical to prevent leaks and pan warpage.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Raise subframe and differential
    Using the transmission jacks, carefully raise the front subframe back to its original position, ensuring all bolt holes align properly. Install and torque all subframe mounting bolts to specification. Raise the front differential back into position and install all differential mounting bolts, torquing to specification.
14. 14

    Reconnect components and fill fluids
    Reconnect any wiring harnesses, cooling hoses, and other components removed during disassembly. Install a new oil drain plug crush washer and torque the drain plug to specification. Install the front differential fill plug. Install a new oil filter. Lower the vehicle and fill the engine with 7.5 quarts of Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend oil. Fill the front differential with 1.5 quarts of 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil through the fill hole until it runs out, then install the fill plug.
    Torque spec

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

    Initial start and leak check
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes while monitoring oil pressure. Do not rev the engine. Shut off the engine and immediately inspect the oil pan, drain plug, and filter for leaks. Check oil level and add if necessary. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, then recheck for leaks.
    ℹ️Oil pressure should register within 5 seconds of starting. If not, shut off immediately and investigate.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification
2. Reinstall engine skid plate/splash shield if equipped
3. Reset oil life monitor using instrument cluster menu or scan tool

Verification

• Check engine oil level with dipstick after engine reaches operating temperature
• Visually inspect oil pan, drain plug, filter, and all connections for leaks after a 20-minute test drive
• Re-torque oil pan bolts after 500 miles if desired (optional but recommended by some technicians)
• Check front differential fluid level through fill hole
• Monitor for oil leaks during the first few days of operation
• Consider having wheel alignment checked due to subframe removal

More procedures for this vehicle