OEM 2003 Ford Explorer Oil Pan

2003 Ford Explorer Oil Pan Parts Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the oil pan, oil pump, oil pump screen, and pickup tube in a 4x4 on 2003 Ford Explorer?

  A: You should start service and repair of the oil pan and oil pump and oil pump screen and pickup tube by draining engine oil first. Begin the component removal with proper sequence by using specific instructions that pertain to 4x4 vehicles. Return the engine to operation by reversing install order while using clean engine oil as the fluid. Use a transmission jack to gently lower the axle housing when working on its removal in order to prevent damage. Set screws controlling the lower block cradle should be loosened until they sit beneath the lower block cradle boss to avoid any damage. Gasket material and silicone sealant must be cleaned out of all cavities in the main bearing cap before final assembly takes place. Installation of the block cradle gasket demands immediate focus for four minutes until you secure it. Failure to lock it in this period requires gasket removal along with clearing the sealing contact area with metal surface cleaner before silicone allows complete dryness. First install the lower block cradle and gasket assembly before tightening the outer bolts and nuts and then the rear lower block cradle bolts before securing the two rear lower block cradle-to-bell housing bolts. Use a straightedge to verify that the lower block cradle to cylinder block match falls within 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) underflush or 0.05 mm (0.00196 inch) protrusion. Start by securing all outer bolts and rear lower block cradle bolts and eight inserts before installing the two silver covered bolts with fresh washer seals and manually tightening them. The final part of the procedure involves tightening the lower block cradle bolts in two steps to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.) and 34 Nm (25 ft. lbs.).