How to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket in a Mazda 6

A puddle of oil under your Mazda 6 may indicate a worn out oil pan gasket. If you have a Mazda 6 with a smaller 1.8-L engine, changing the oil pan gasket is fairly easy. However, it becomes more complicated in larger engines, and involves removing many of the engine components. Here's how to change the oil pan gasket in the 2002 through 2007 model Mazda 6.

Difficulty: ChallengingInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Jack and jack stand
Socket wrench
Bucket
Clean shop rags
Solvent
Replacement oil pan gasket
Approximately 4.5 qt. clean motor oil
Funnel
Empty milk jug

Step 1
Jack up the front end of the Mazda 6, secure it safely on a jack stand and block up the rear wheels. Disconnect the negative battery cable, oxygen sensors and front exhaust pipe.
Step 2
Crawl under the vehicle and locate the drain plug located on the bottom of the oil pan. Remove the plug with a socket wrench, slide a bucket underneath and let the old oil drain into the bucket.
Step 3
Remove the bolts holding the oil pan and carefully remove the oil pan. Scrape the old gasket off the surface of the oil pan, making sure it's completely removed. Wipe the surface with solvent and wipe out the inside of the oil pan.
Step 4
Apply a thin bead of silicone sealant on the joining surface and inside the bolt holes. Attach a new oil pan gasket and reattach the oil pan, torquing the bolts to 14 to 18 foot lb. Replace the front exhaust pipe and oxygen sensor and reconnect the negative battery cable.
Step 5
Lift the vehicle high enough to remove the jack stand, lower the vehicle and remove the jack.
Step 6
Fill the engine with clean oil. A 2003 Mazda 6 requires approximately 4.5 qt. of oil. Check the level with a dipstick to be sure the level is at the fill line.
Step 7
Funnel the old oil into an empty milk carton and take it to a garage or to your local hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.