engine

Oil Pan Replacement

for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
5.9 h
Tools
11
Steps
16
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the oil pan on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including exhaust and crossmember removal for access.

Warnings

⚠️Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands rated for the weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
Allow engine and exhaust system to cool completely before beginning work. Exhaust components can cause severe burns.
The oil pan gasket requires proper sealing. Failure to clean mating surfaces thoroughly or allow RTV to cure properly will result in oil leaks.
ℹ️This procedure requires lowering the front crossmember and supporting the engine/transmission. Do not skip supporting steps.

Tools required

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Parts

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Fluids

  • Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 7.5 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Allow engine and exhaust to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
  3. Disconnect negative battery cable
  4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
  5. Remove engine oil drain plug and drain engine oil completely into appropriate container
  6. Remove oil filter to ensure complete drainage
  7. Install drain plug with new crush washer (do not torque until final reassembly)

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove Front Skid Plate (if equipped)
    Remove the front skid plate or lower engine cover if equipped. This typically involves 6-8 bolts around the perimeter. Set aside for reinstallation.
  2. 2
    Remove Exhaust Y-Pipe
    Disconnect the exhaust Y-pipe at the catalytic converters. Remove the four bolts at each flange connection. Support the exhaust with a strap or wire and lower it away from the oil pan area. You may need to disconnect exhaust hangers to gain sufficient clearance.
  3. 3
    Disconnect Wiring and Sensors
    Disconnect the oil level sensor electrical connector from the oil pan. Remove any wire harness clips or brackets attached to the oil pan or surrounding area. Label connections if necessary for reassembly.
    Torque spec
    Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Support Engine and Transmission
    Place a transmission jack or adjustable support jack under the transmission pan with a block of wood to distribute load. Raise jack slightly to support weight but do not lift the vehicle. Place a second jack or engine support bar under the engine oil pan area using a block of wood for protection. The engine and transmission must be supported before removing crossmember bolts.
    ⚠️Failure to properly support the engine and transmission before removing crossmember will result in sudden dropping and potential injury or component damage.
  5. 5
    Remove Front Crossmember Bolts
    Locate the front crossmember mounting bolts (typically 4-6 bolts connecting crossmember to frame). Remove these bolts and carefully lower the crossmember approximately 2-3 inches. Do not remove completely unless additional clearance is needed. The crossmember must be lowered to access the rear oil pan bolts.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Remove Starter Motor
    Disconnect the starter motor electrical connections. Remove the starter mounting bolts and remove the starter motor from the bellhousing. This provides access to oil pan bolts in the transmission bellhousing area.
  7. 7
    Remove Oil Pan Bolts
    Remove all oil pan bolts in reverse of the tightening sequence (start from outside and work toward center). There are approximately 16-20 bolts around the perimeter. Note that bolt lengths may vary by location - keep bolts organized. Use extensions and swivel sockets to access bolts near the transmission bellhousing.
    Torque spec
    Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Separate and Remove Oil Pan
    Gently tap the oil pan with a rubber mallet to break the gasket seal. Use a plastic pry tool if needed, being extremely careful not to damage the aluminum engine block mating surface. Once loose, carefully lower the oil pan. You may need to angle it to clear the oil pump pickup tube and bellhousing.
    Do not use metal pry tools against the engine block mating surface. Any gouges or damage will cause permanent oil leaks.
  9. 9
    Inspect Oil Pump Pickup Tube
    With the oil pan removed, inspect the oil pump pickup tube and screen for debris or damage. If replacing the pickup tube, remove the mounting bolts now. Clean the screen thoroughly if reusing. Check that the O-ring seal on the pickup tube is in good condition.
    Torque spec
    Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Clean Mating Surfaces
    Thoroughly clean both the engine block oil pan mating surface and the oil pan flange. Remove all old gasket material and RTV using a plastic scraper. Follow with RTV remover or brake cleaner and a clean cloth. The surfaces must be completely clean, dry, and free of oil residue. Inspect for any damage or warping.
    Any remaining gasket material or contamination will prevent proper sealing and cause oil leaks. Take time to ensure surfaces are perfectly clean.
    Torque spec
    Gasket Surface Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Install New Gasket and Prepare Oil Pan
    Install the new oil pan gasket onto the oil pan. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed and will stick to the pan. Apply a small bead of RTV silicone sealant at the front and rear corners where the timing cover and rear seal housing meet the engine block (approximately 5mm bead). Apply RTV to both sides of the gasket at these corner transitions.
  12. 12
    Install Oil Pan
    Carefully raise the oil pan into position, ensuring the gasket stays aligned. Start all oil pan bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not tighten any bolts until all are started. Once all bolts are hand-tight, torque bolts to specification in a crisscross pattern starting from the center and working outward.
    ℹ️Allow RTV sealant to cure for at least 30 minutes before filling with oil, or per sealant manufacturer specifications.
    Torque spec
    Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Reinstall Starter Motor
    Reinstall the starter motor into the bellhousing and torque mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect all starter electrical connections ensuring tight, secure connections.
  14. 14
    Reinstall Crossmember and Remove Supports
    Raise the front crossmember back into position and install mounting bolts. Torque crossmember bolts to specification. Once crossmember is secured, carefully lower and remove the transmission jack and engine support jack.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)
  15. 15
    Reconnect Exhaust and Sensors
    Reinstall the exhaust Y-pipe to the catalytic converters using new gaskets. Torque exhaust flange bolts to specification. Reconnect any exhaust hangers. Reconnect the oil level sensor electrical connector and reinstall any wire harness clips.
    Torque spec
    Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
    Gasket Bolts25 Nm (19 lb-ft)
  16. 16
    Final Torque and Fill Engine Oil
    Torque the oil drain plug to specification. Install a new oil filter. Lower the vehicle. Fill the engine with 7.5 quarts of Motorcraft 0W-20 full synthetic oil. Check oil level with dipstick and adjust as necessary.
    Torque spec
    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall front skid plate or lower engine cover if equipped
  2. Reconnect negative battery cable
  3. Double-check that all fasteners have been tightened to specification
  4. Verify no tools or parts have been left in the engine compartment

Verification

  • Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes while monitoring for leaks around the oil pan perimeter
  • Check oil pressure gauge or warning light to confirm proper oil pressure
  • Shut off engine and wait 5 minutes, then check oil level and top off if necessary
  • Inspect underneath the vehicle for any signs of oil leakage from the pan, drain plug, or filter
  • After the first 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect for leaks and verify oil level is correct
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🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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