I went outside and noticed a quarter sized leak under my truck today. I haven't had anything leak for awhile so I grabbed the creaper and went underneath. It looks like the leak is coming from the front corner of the oil pan gasket. I figure that I probably could try to tighten it a little to see if it will stop the leak. I just had a few questions before I was going to touch it. I am assuming that the gasket is rubber and would become brittle with it being almost 10 years old. I saw that the gasket is like 35 bucks and was wondering if I should just replace it or try to tighten it down? Also how hard is it to drop the oil pan in these?

 

Tigthening it will not stop the leak may make it only leak more,Replace the gasket it's easy.

 

You might want to power scrub the top and bottom of your engine and watch to verify for sure the location of the leak.
If it is the pan gasket, replace/reseal the pan, doubtful a bolt os loose and don't want to have you over tighten/snap the bolt.
You can use the paper gasket or some people will just use a tube of their favorite sealant.
While you can the pan off, make sure to inspect the oil pick up tube, make sure it is not plugging up and clean the entire underside of the block.

 

You will need to remove the front steering stabilizer to remove the oil pan...and the 84 bolts.

 

Thank you guys for your replies. I will drop the pan when I do my next oil change. The only other question is what should I use to clean the underside of the block?

 

I will be replacing my oil sump gasket when I get my truck back from the shop for its head gasket. (yeah it was leaking out both sides!) What gasket sealant do you use for this?

 

Any name brand RTV, go to AutoZone in Jenision and read the backs of the tubes, one tube should do it.

EDIT:when using RTV sealant you must let it cure for 24 hours before putting oil back into the engine.
So apply your bead, put the sump back on and snug the bolts, let it cure 24 hours, refill with new oil, done.
EDIT #2: put a note on the steering wheel that says NO OIL IN ENGINE and take all the keys with you so no one accidentally starts the engine.

 

I used the grey import rtv when my inspection plate was leaking from the tranfer case. I will probably just buy the factory gasket for this. When I remove the pan what should I use to clean the underside of the block? Would I be able to spray carb and choke cleaner or is there something better to use?

 

Do not spray carb cleaner on anything under there. Use a pressure washer with just water and lay down under it.

Cleaners/degreasers and especially carb cleaner will eat away at your seals.

 

I am wondering what to use once I have removed the oil pan.