Oil Pan Replacement

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the oil pan on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including subframe lowering to access the oil pan bolts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil 0W-20 Full Synthetic × 6 — Motorcraft XO-0W20-QSP
• Oil filter × 1 — Motorcraft FL-910S

Fluids

• Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 6 qt

Preparation

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

Procedure

1. 1

   Support engine and transmission
   Place a transmission jack or sturdy adjustable jack stand under the transmission pan with a block of wood to distribute load. Apply slight upward pressure to support the powertrain weight. Verify the engine is stable before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove front subframe mounting bolts
   Locate the four subframe mounting bolts (two per side at front and rear of subframe). Remove all four mounting bolts completely. Keep track of any spacers or washers. The subframe will remain in position due to its weight.
   ⚠Ensure the engine/transmission jack is supporting the powertrain before removing subframe bolts.
3. 3

   Lower front subframe
   Using the floor jack under the front subframe, carefully lower the subframe approximately 4 inches (100mm). Lower evenly on both sides to prevent binding. Do not remove the subframe completely. Verify brake lines, wiring, and steering components have sufficient slack and are not being stretched.
   ⚠Monitor all attached components (brake lines, wiring, steering shaft) while lowering to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect oil level sensor
   Locate the oil level sensor on the driver's side of the oil pan. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully remove the sensor from the oil pan.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove oil pump pickup tube bolts
   From underneath, locate the two bolts securing the oil pump pickup tube to the oil pump housing. Remove both bolts. Leave the pickup tube attached to the oil pan for now; it will come down with the pan.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove oil pan bolts in sequence
   Remove all oil pan mounting bolts working from the outside edges toward the center. There are approximately 18-20 bolts around the perimeter of the pan. Note that bolts are different lengths in different locations. Keep bolts organized by location for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate and remove oil pan
   Gently tap the oil pan with a rubber mallet to break the gasket seal. Do not pry aggressively against the engine block as this can cause damage. Once seal is broken, carefully lower the oil pan and pickup tube assembly. Maneuver the pan around the subframe and remove from vehicle.
   ⚠Do not pry against the engine block sealing surface. Use a rubber mallet and patience to break the seal.
8. 8

   Clean sealing surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the oil pan sealing surface on the engine block using a gasket scraper. Remove all old gasket material and residue. Clean the oil pan mating surface as well. Wipe both surfaces with brake cleaner and allow to dry. Inspect for damage, warping, or cracks.
9. 9

   Install new oil pan gasket
   Position the new oil pan gasket on the oil pan. Most gaskets have integrated alignment features or adhesive backing. Ensure the gasket is properly seated in the oil pan groove with all bolt holes aligned. Do not use additional RTV sealant unless specified by the gasket manufacturer.
10. 10

    Reinstall oil pump pickup tube
    If the pickup tube separated from the pan, reinstall it to the oil pan using the new O-ring supplied with the gasket kit. Ensure the pickup tube is clean and the O-ring is properly seated.
11. 11

    Install oil pan assembly
    Carefully maneuver the oil pan and pickup tube assembly into position, working around the lowered subframe. Align the pickup tube with the oil pump mounting holes. Hand-start all oil pan bolts to hold the pan in position. Verify the gasket has not shifted during installation.
12. 12

    Torque oil pan bolts in sequence
    Tighten the oil pan bolts in a spiral pattern working from the center outward to ensure even gasket compression. Torque all bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Make a second pass to verify all bolts are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

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

    Install oil pump pickup tube bolts
    Install and torque the two oil pump pickup tube mounting bolts to specification. Ensure the pickup tube is fully seated against the oil pump before tightening.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall oil level sensor
    Install a new O-ring on the oil level sensor if provided with the gasket kit. Insert the sensor into the oil pan and install the mounting bolt. Torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Raise and secure subframe
    Using the floor jack, carefully raise the front subframe back to its original position. Align all mounting holes with the frame. Install all four subframe mounting bolts and torque to specification (55 Nm for primary mounting bolts). Remove the transmission jack or support stand.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install oil drain plug and fill engine
    Install the oil drain plug with a new crush washer and torque to specification. Install a new oil filter and hand-tighten. Fill engine with 6 quarts of Motorcraft 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil. Reinstall any skid plates or splash shields removed.
    Torque spec

    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes while monitoring for leaks
4. Shut off engine and wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back to pan
5. Check oil level and add oil as necessary to reach full mark on dipstick

Verification

• Inspect entire oil pan perimeter for any signs of oil leakage with engine running and after shutdown
• Verify oil level is at the full mark on the dipstick after engine has reached operating temperature
• Check that oil level sensor connector is secure and no warning lights are illuminated
• Inspect subframe mounting bolts to ensure they are properly torqued and secure
• Test drive vehicle and recheck for leaks after 50-100 miles of operation

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