2.5L Oil pan gasket difference.

[whitecat99]

I am going to replace my oil pan gasket. I have gone online to order the gasket and find there are different gaskets for engines prior to and after 8-17-98. I know mine is prior, but what is different.

[wadespencer99]

The best bet would be to order the latest oil pan revision. You'll get an updated baffled oil pan, and I believe the gasket will be integrated.

[whitecat99]

I don't have a problem with my oil pan and don't want to go to the extra expense to replace it. I am just curious what the difference is with the gaskets.

From what you are telling me, it sounds like there was a change in the pan around 8-17-98 that required a change in the gasket. What prompted this change.

[Blackcoog]

There were a few different revisions. The newest revision is similar to the valve cover gasket were a thin rubber gasket fits into the pan around the edges. The old version which you have will have a metal/rubber gasket that is mashed between the block and the pan. Just pick up the old gasket and you'll be fine.

[gregory.tomczak]

hey which oil pan do i need just a 2003 2.5l ford oil pan for it to be the new one. or is it a specific vehicle i know i can get it cheaper online but when i search cougar oil pans it is either the new one or 200 dollars.. also what vehicals is changeable with it so i might be able to go to the junk yard and get it

[Vix]

Originally Posted by gregory.tomczak

hey which oil pan do i need just a 2003 2.5l ford oil pan for it to be the new one. or is it a specific vehicle i know i can get it cheaper online but when i search cougar oil pans it is either the new one or 200 dollars.. also what vehicals is changeable with it so i might be able to go to the junk yard and get it

From what i read ABOVE of your post... you pretty much have your answer, idk about prices on these things but i would just get a new one just to be sure.
And there is not 03 cougars

[gregory.tomczak]

i got that there is no 03 cougar i was saying escape like everyone was talking bout and the question is can u use a 01-06 escape one.

[skater]

Originally Posted by whitecat99

From what you are telling me, it sounds like there was a change in the pan around 8-17-98 that required a change in the gasket. What prompted this change.

I didn't see this directly answered: the early oil pans are prone to allowing oil starvation during right turns, which leads to a spun bearing. It has happened to several people here. As Wade said, there have been several revisions to improve the baffling to prevent this problem.

[whitecat99]

Thanks for all the information. I bought the early gaskets but have not had time to replace them yet. It is planned to be included in the next oil change.

I have heard about the oil starvation problem and do try to keep the oil level a little higher than normal to help. This car does not see much fast cornering because my wife drives it most of the time and complains when I push it in a corner. Every once in a while I get it by myself and get to have a little fun.

[DanG]

I have to disagree on a technicality. The head design of the 1999 and 2000 2.5L Duratecs was fingered as the most probable cause of oil starvation and the consequential spun bearings. That head design had only 2 return ports per head, with none at the back of the engine (facing the driver's side of the car), leading to oil pooling in that part of the head during sustained, high-G right-hand turns. When oil pools, it's not returned to the oil pan, and eventually the pan runs out of oil, leading to a drop in oil pressure at the crankshaft (main and rod) bearings, which lose their oil film the quickest, and metal-to-metal contact and paperweight making ensues.

The revised baffling in the updated oil pan helps more efficiently make oil that does return available to the pickup, but the flaw in the design is still present. That's probably why no 3L Duratec and all 2001+ 2.5L Duratec have that third oil return port in each head.

Originally Posted by skater

I didn't see this directly answered: the early oil pans are prone to allowing oil starvation during right turns, which leads to a spun bearing. It has happened to several people here. As Wade said, there have been several revisions to improve the baffling to prevent this problem.