QuestionI am trying to replace the oil pan gasket on a 1997 Dodge Stratus 2.4L. I have taken all of the bolts out of the oil pan but when I try to remove it I do not have enough room to accomplish this. There is a 2" cross member that goes from front mount to the back engine trans/motor mount.
I have removed the 4 bolts from the front mount hoping that I could raise the engine enough to get the required clearance between the engine and this bar but I am still do not have enough clearance
Help! I have a repair manual but the instructions don't seem to match what needs to be done.
AnswerOIL PAN
REMOVAL
Drain engine oil.
Remove engine support module. Refer to Removal and Installation procedure in this section.
Remove collar from rear of pan and transmission.
Remove oil pan.
Clean oil pan and all gasket surfaces.
INSTALLATION
Apply Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent at the oil pump to engine block parting line Oil Pan Sealing
Install the oil pan gasket to the block Oil Pan Gasket Installation
Install pan and tighten the screws to 12 N·m (105 in. lbs.)
CAUTION: Torque procedure for the collar must be followed or damage could occur to oil pan or collar.
Install the 2 center collar to oil pan bolts. Torque to 3 N·m (30 in. lbs.)
Install collar to transmission bolts and tighten to 108 N·m (80 ft. lbs.)
Install the 2 remaining collar to pan bolts. Starting with the center bolts and working outward torque all 4 bolts to 34 N·m (250 in. lbs.)
Install engine support module. Refer to Removal and Installation procedure in this section
