How to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket in a Mitsubishi Eclipse

You can keep your Mitsubishi Eclipse running like a dream if you maintain it properly and take care of repairs as the need arises. If you need to replace a worn out oil pan gasket, save money by doing it yourself. No matter what year or model your Eclipse is, it's an easy job.

Difficulty: Moderately ChallengingInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Wheel blocks
Jack and jack stand
Bucket
Socket wrench
Solvent
Liquid gasket
Torque wrench
4.5 qt. clean oil
Empty milk carton

Step 1
Park the Mitsubishi Eclipse on a level surface, set the parking brake and block the rear wheels so they don't roll. Jack up the vehicle onto a jack stand and be sure it's safely in place. Disconnect the negative battery cable before proceeding.
Step 2
Slide under the car and locate the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Put a bucket under the plug, loosen the plug with a socket wrench and let the oil drain into the bucket. Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug.
Step 3
Loosen the bolts holding the oil pan and remove them carefully with your fingers so they won't drop in the oil pan. Remove the oil pan.
Step 4
Scrape off the old gasket and discard it. Wipe the surface with solvent to be sure it's completely clean and wipe out the inside of the oil pan.
Step 5
Run a bead of liquid gasket around the joining surface and replace the oil pan. Tighten the oil pan bolts according to specifications in the manual.
Step 6
Reattach the negative battery cable. Jack up the vehicle just enough to remove the jack stand, lower it and remove the jacks. Fill the crankcase with 4.5 qt. of clean oil and check the level with the dipstick.
Step 7
Pour the old oil into an empty milk carton and dispose of it properly at a garage or hazardous waste facility.