Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance oil pan

Ok so today I was going down the interstate and busted my oil pan and had to have my car towed home. I did a search on oil pan but I couldn't find a how to on replacing it. I saw a few posts saying u have to remove the exhaust but I need a little more info. If anyone has any info on it, it would help so much.
Thanks

There are two ways you can go about it. I have done both.

Remove the exhaust system, drop the subframe and change it that way. The other way, and IMHO, the more time consuming way is to drop the exhaust disconnect the motor mounts and lift the engine.

I am doing this today to replace a leaky gasket (and worn out inner tie rod ends). Im doing it by dropping the subframe. Keep in mind, you will need a new exhaust manifold to cat gasket and a new oil pan gasket no matter which way you go.

BTW, how did you break your oil pan?!?

Thanks! I was going down the interstate and hit a huge piece of concrete. i tried to avoid it but there were cars on both sides.

You might wanna look into if you can get somebody to pay for that. Here, if they've known about a road issue for 24+ hours, they consider themselves liable. I guess most people just aren't aware of it, that and 99.999% of the time all road problems are fixed within 24 hours.

I agree, there are only two ways to remove the oil pan. However, when you drop the subframe, you have to be careful putting it back. If there is any sort of shift in how it was installed before, it may ruin the cars alignment. Loosening the passneger motor mount and removing the front motor mount is much simpler. But good luck with changing the pan.