2002 Ford Explorer Upper Oil Pan Removal: How to Remove and Install?

Are you going through a tough time thinking about replacing the upper oil pan? The 2002 ford explorer upper oil pan removal process is a bit tough but not impossible at all.

For replacement, first remove the faulty pan. Then the purchased pan should be applied in the right way. If the procedure is correct, you won’t have to run to the repair shop again and again.

If you have little knowledge about this then it will be easy for you to do this task. You can get it done from any repair shop if you want. It depends on your budget and time.

2002 ford explorer upper oil pan removal

How to Take Out the Upper Oil Pan of Ford Explorer 2002?

The upper oil pan on your Ford Explorer 2002 is a great place to store and protect your engine oil. But if you remove it, you’ll lose some of that protection. 

The upper pan is designed to hold the engine’s oil under pressure and away from the heat of your engine block. If you take out the upper pan, you’ll be exposing all of that oil to the outside air.

This can cause it to degrade over time. You may also have problems with leaks around bolts or cracks in the pan itself. It can cause an ugly mess for your engine!

So, you should follow the right tactics that are easy, smooth and effective. Let’s see how to do this job perfectly:

Before starting the steps –

First, I recommend buying the special oil pan tool to assist you in this procedure. You can buy it from any auto parts store that sells oil pan products.

Step 01: Before you start, put the car on jack stands. Then, simply block up the rear wheels. Now, disconnect the battery.

Step 02: To start, remove the lower plastic cover. You will have to remove three plastic rivets to do that. Then remove the oil filler cap and dipstick.

Step 03: Under the truck, Remove the crankcase vent hose from the top of the oil pan. You can do it with a small pry bar if there is a clamp holding it on.

Step 04: Now, remove all engine oil. Then, just filter from the Explorer’s engine by unscrewing its drain plug. Now, simply let the oil run out into a large container like a bucket or pan.

Step 5: Remove the oil filter adapter O-ring. Then, clean both halves of the adapter with a cloth and appropriate solvent. Thoroughly clean both halves of the adapter prior to installation.

The 3 things you should consider while take out the upper oil pan:

  1. You should not remove any oil pan unless you have complete knowledge about it.
  2. After removing the oil pan from the upper part, clean those parts properly. Then, make sure that the gaskets are in good shape or not.
  3. You must take off the air box assembly for it clears the space for oil pan cover removal.

How to Install a New Upper Oil Pan of Ford Explorer 2002?

You may already know how to remove faulty upper oil pan easily. Now, it is important to select the right upper oil pan before installation.  Oil pans are available at different prices in the market and on Amazon as well.  It depends on your budget.  But we will recommend the AM Autopart oil pan for the Ford Explorer 2002.

Requirement:

(i) AM Autopart Upper oil pan

(ii)  AM Auto Parts Gasket

(iii) New oil (4.5 quarts for 4.0 SOHC engine)

(iv) Socket set and ratchet

(v) Oil filter wrench

(vi) Floor jack and jack stands (or a lift)

(vii) Torque wrench

(viii) Clean rags

Let’s do the job done with the following instrument.

Step 01: Locate the oil drain plug

Location the oil drain plug on the lower oil pan. Then, place the clean rag underneath it to catch the dripping oil. Use the socket set and ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug. Let the oil drain out for about 5 minutes

Step 02: Remove the old upper oil pan

Remove the old upper oil pan by taking out the bolts that secure it to the engine block. Socket set generally used to remove the bolts. Carefully pull off the old oil pan, being careful not to damage the gasket.

Step 03: Clean the mating surfaces

Use a clean rag to wipe off the mating surfaces of the engine block and the new oil pan. This will help ensure a good seal.

Step 04: Install the new gasket

Place the new gasket on the mating surface of the engine block. Make sure that it is seated properly and that there are no gaps.

Step 05: Install the new oil pan

Carefully lower the new oil pan into place, being careful not to damage the gasket. Start the bolts by hand and then use the socket set to tighten them.

Step 06: Install the new oil drain plug

Now, you can utilize the socket set to install the new oil drain plug. Torque it to 15-20 ft-lbs.

Step 07: Fill the new oil pan with oil

Pour in 4.5 quarts of new oil into the new oil pan. Be careful not to overfill it.

Step 08: Check for leaks

Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for leaks around the oil pan. If there are any, tighten the bolts until they stop.

FAQs

Why do you need to replace the upper oil pan?

The oil pan is there to transport the oil from your engine to where it needs to be. You’ll need to replace the upper oil pan if:

1. Your car has been sitting for a long time or has been driven in harsh weather.
2. There are leaks around the edges of your oil pan.
3. If you see a lot of dirty water coming out of your drain plug.

Do you have to pull the motor to replace the upper oil pan?

It depends on what you’re replacing. If it’s just a normal oil pan, then no. You can get away with using jack stands and a wrench or socket. But if there’s anything wrong with the oil pan, you’ll need to pull the motor.

What is the Ford Explorer 2022 upper oil pan replacement cost?

The Ford Explorer 2022 upper oil pan replacement cost between $911 and $1,077. The replacement cost will depend on several factors such as the make, model, and year of your vehicle. It will also depend on how many miles you drive per year. It will also depend on which dealership you go to for repairs.

Can the upper oil pan of Ford Explorer be removed with engine?

Yes, you can remove the upper oil pan of your Ford Explorer. But it’s tricky. The problem is that the oil pan is attached to the engine with bolts that line up with holes in the block. You have to remove those bolts, and then you can take off the oil pan.

Final Notes

Upper oil pan removal process is easy but tricky. You have to perform the task correctly and flawlessly. If a step is missed for any reason, it can cause engine problems later on.

If you don’t have complete knowledge about this, take the help of an expert. You can also get the job done from a repair shop for a small fee. This will save you time and give you peace of mind.

Finally, I would like to say that “Look before you leap”.  If you are facing problems in the middle of repairing, it is more annoying. So, Get help from experts, and stay cool.

Dan Jones is a car enthusiast and has been involved in the automotive industry for the last 10 years. He has a practical knowledge of vehicles and vehicle parts. Besides, he spends most of his time in the garage and deals with various car problems.

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