Oil Pan Removal

Overview

This guide walks you through removing the oil pan on a Porsche 944 S / S2 with its 16v engine. The oil pan houses the engine oil and is a critical component for accessing the oil pump, rod bearings, and crankshaft during maintenance or repairs. Removing it is a significant task but manageable for a DIY enthusiast with mechanical experience. This procedure ensures you can inspect or replace components like the oil pan gasket or rod bearings effectively.

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Tools Required

• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Engine support bar or hoist
• 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench
• 13mm wrench
• 17mm wrench
• Metric socket set (including 10mm, 13mm, and 17mm sockets)
• Torque wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Drain pan
• Rags or shop towels

Parts Required

• Oil pan gasket – 944 107 135 02
• Engine oil (for refill after reassembly)

Required Additional Procedures

Steps in these procedures are required to complete this process:

• Timing Belt Removal

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Disconnect the battery by removing the negative terminal to prevent electrical issues.
3. Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and secure it on jack stands.

Step 2: Drain the Engine Oil

4. Place a drain pan under the oil pan drain plug, located on the lower right side of the oil pan.
5. Using a 17mm wrench, remove the drain plug and let the oil drain completely. The drain plug torque spec is 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs) for reinstallation.
6. Inspect the drain plug seal ring and replace it if damaged.

Step 3: Support the Engine

7. Install an engine support bar or hoist across the engine bay, securing it to the engine lifting points to hold the engine in place once the crossmember is removed.
8. Ensure the support is tight and stable before proceeding.

Step 4: Remove the Front Suspension Components

9. Remove the front sway bar by unbolting it with a 13mm wrench. This provides clearance for the crossmember removal.
10. Disconnect the tie rods from the steering knuckles using a 13mm wrench.
11. Unbolt the control arms from the crossmember with a 17mm wrench.

Step 5: Remove the Crossmember

12. Support the crossmember with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping suddenly.
13. Remove the four 17mm bolts securing the crossmember to the chassis.
14. Lower the jack slowly to remove the crossmember, giving access to the oil pan.

Step 6: Remove the Oil Pan

15. Locate the oil pan bolts around its perimeter (typically 10mm bolts on the S / S2).
16. Using a 10mm wrench or socket, remove all the oil pan bolts in a crisscross pattern to avoid warping.
17. Gently pry the oil pan loose with a flathead screwdriver if it sticks due to the gasket. Be careful not to damage the mating surfaces.
18. Lower the oil pan and remove it from under the vehicle.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Inspect the oil pan and mating surfaces for damage or debris before reinstallation.
• Check that all bolts and tools are accounted for and not left in the engine bay.
• After reassembly, refill the engine with oil and run it for a few minutes, then check for leaks around the oil pan gasket.
• Verify the oil level with the dipstick after letting the engine sit for 5-10 minutes.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manuals
• Youtube