Genuine 2001 Toyota Avalon Oil Pan

2001 Toyota Avalon Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and reinstall an oil pan on V6 engine in a 2001 Toyota Avalon?

  A: Remove the hood. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the engine splash shields. Drain the engine oil and remove the oil filter. Disconnect the front exhaust pipe from the catalytic converter, the two bolts and the support bracket, and the nuts holding the pipe to the front and rear exhaust manifolds. Remove the flywheel housing cover. Remove the two bolts holding the aluminum oil pan section to the transaxle and air conditioner compressor bracket. Remove the 10 bolts and two nuts securing the steel oil pan section, and detach the steel pan. If it's stuck, pry it loose very carefully with a small screwdriver or putty knife. Remove the oil pump strainer/pickup. Remove the bolts securing the aluminum oil pan section to the block. Remove the oil pan baffle plate if necessary. Use a scraper to remove all traces of old sealant from the block and oil pan. Clean the mating surfaces with lacquer thinner or acetone. Make sure the threaded bolt holes in the block are clean. Check the flange of the steel pan section for distortion, particularly around the bolt holes. If necessary, place the pan on a wood block and use a hammer to flatten and restore the gasket surface. If the baffle had been removed, reinstall it now. Clean the mating surfaces of the engine block and aluminum pan section, being careful not to gouge the soft metal, which could lead to leaks. Apply a 4 mm wide bead of RTV sealant to the aluminum pan section. Install the aluminum pan section within five minutes and uniformly tighten the bolts. Work from the center out towards the ends of the pan. Inspect the oil pump pick-up/strainer assembly for cracks and a blocked strainer. If the pick-up was removed, clean it with solvent or thinner and install it now, using a new gasket. Tighten the fasteners. Apply a 3 to 4 mm wide bead of RTV sealant to the flange of the steel oil pan section. Carefully position the steel pan on the aluminum section and install the bolts. Working from the center out, tighten them. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to add oil and install a new oil filter. Run the engine and check for oil pressure and leaks.