OEM 2004 Dodge Dakota Oil Pan

2004 Dodge Dakota Oil Pan Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Reinstall an Oil Pan on 2004 Dodge Dakota?

  A: The first step is to take out the negative battery cable and install support fixture tool 8534 under the engine, so the engine remains in its original position. Loose the holding bolts of both left and right engine mounts, but do not remove them from their position yet and if installed, remove the structural dust cover. First, empty the oil from the engine and then take out the front crossmember, checking that the engine doesn't bind when you raise it for the oil pan to pass near the fan shroud to fan and cowl to the intake manifold. Lift the engine with help of 8534 tool instead of working on the oil pan because the engine windage tray's beauty gasket is inside and won't come out with the oil pan. With the oil pan mounting bolts off, pull out the oil pan and get rid of the pickup tube. Inspect the windage tray and the gasket and change them out if necessary. Soak the oil pan in solvent and then let a clean cloth remove all the liquid and traces of dirt from it. Wash the oil screen and tube in clean solvent, check the oil drain plug and its hole for stripping or damage and manage bent or distorted oil pan mounting flanges by straightening them. For installation, make the oil pan gasket mating surface of the bedplate and oil pan spotless, check the integrated oil pan gasket and replace it if it's worn or damaged. Put the integrated oil pan gasket/windage tray assembly in place; set the oil pickup tube; and if taken out, install the stud in position No. 9. Fix the mounting bolt and nuts, tighten all the nuts to 28 Nm (20 ft. lbs.), then fit the oil pan and mount it securely with 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs. ) in the correct order. With tool 8534, guide the engine into place, then fasten both sides of the mount with through bolts and tighten the nuts to 50 ft. lbs. Take out special tool 8534, place the structural dust cover in position (if it has one) and fasten the front crossmember into place. Pour oil into the engine, reattach the negative battery cable, start it up and examine the vehicle for leaks.