I am slowly leaking oil around the oil pan. I'm looking to replace the gasket. I'm looking for information on how to remove the pan. What is the easiest and best way of doing this????? I did read the FSM, but I feel theres more i should know before i do this.

It says to raise the engine, where would be a safe spot to do this?

Has anyone done a write up on this with some pictures???

I did do a search also, but didn't find anything that would answer my questions. If you know a link can you post it please. Thanks.

LOS

 

what od you mean raise the engine? just lift it up off the enginemounts?

if that then i say Pull the UIM and then use an engine hoist to lift the motor up a bit

-Jacob

 

You don't really need to raise the engine. However the passenger side motor mount will have to be diconnected (you'll know what i mean when you look under) I would then support the engine via the tranny close to the engine. Eventhough everything is pretty straight forward the bolts under the steering rack are a BITCH! For this i recommend you go out and buy a 10mm universal. NOT a 10mm + a universal. You need the two in one, as it's a VERY tight fit in there. this will surely make life 10X's easier. Dump the gaskets as they are crap. and go with Hylomar or such high temp gasket sealer and let it cure. Mazda sells some quality stuff but it's real steep at like $40 a tube. Don't forget to diconnect the two sensors on the drivers side. I would also add some sealant to the threads of the bolts that go to the motor mount. And remember to apply the bead on the INSIDE of the bolt pattern. And apply pressure evenly throughout the surface. In other words, cross tighten the bolts to the pan, like a wheel. I think that should cover it. I follow these rules and have yet to leak.

 

Has anyone used an Oil Baffle (Air-Oil Separator)???
Is it worth it??? Does it help out????

 

Will using an oil baffle and an oil gasket require use of longer bolts then the original??????

 

no same size bolts, the ones that are gonna give you hell are the ones over steering rack, not enough room to get a rachet in there so you got to use an open end, hell it prolly would be a hell of alot easier if you loosen the motor mounts and with an engine hoist connected to the intercooler mount rack jut lift it up enough to put a rachet in there.