How to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket in a Dodge Caravan

If you spot an oil puddle under the engine of your minivan, don't wait to take care of the problem, which may be a worn out oil pan gasket. Waiting can compromise the performance of your vehicle and can shorten its lifespan. Here is how to replace the oil pan gasket on the popular Dodge Caravan minivan with a 2.4-L engine.

Instructions

1

Jack up the front end of the Dodge Caravan and prop it up on a jack stand. Put a block ahead of the front wheels to keep the wheels securely in place.

2

Slide under the vehicle, and place a drain pan under the oil pan plug. Remove the plug with a socket wrench and let the oil drain into the pan. Be sure the oil completely drains before proceeding

3

Disconnect the negative battery cable, the structural collar and the air conditioner compressor bracket. Remove the bolts on the oil pan and carefully remove the oil pan.

4

Scrape the old gasket from the mating surface of the oil pan with a paint scraper, and wipe out the oil pan with a clean rag. Clean the mating surface of the oil pan with solvent or engine degreaser.

5

Wipe a small amount of oil on the mating surface of the pan to promote adhesion, and attach the new gasket.

6

Replace the oil pan, air conditioner compressor bracket and structural collar, and reattach the negative battery cable.

7

Remove the vehicle from the jack stand and add the appropriate oil to the engine. Check with the dipstick to make it's at the correct level.