Oil Pan

The oil pan, sometimes called the oil sump, acts as an oil reservoir. It is a metal pan underneath the engine crankcase where the oil collects to be circulated by the oil pump. The oil pan is sealed with a gasket and has a drain plug that allows old oil to be removed. Due to its location under the vehicle, it is common for the oil pan to develop oil leaks after being struck by rocks or other road debris. It can also corrode over time because of age, road salt, or moisture. If you are having to top off your oil frequently, you may have an oil leak. Placing cardboard under the vehicle may help identify the source. If you have an oil leak, the oil pan and gasket should be checked for damage. If there is oil on the engine, it could be coming from various other parts such as the timing cover, rear main seal, or oil filter. For all your oil maintenance and repair needs, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries all these parts and more for most vehicles.