2000 Ford Contour SVTFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Oil Pan: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    CAUTION: Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes, power abrasive discs or other abrasive means to clean the sealing surfaces. These tools cause scratches and gouges which make leak paths.
  1. Use a plastic scraping tool to remove all traces of the oil pan gasket.
    • Clean all surfaces with metal surface cleaner.
  2. NOTE:  The oil pan must be installed and the bolts tightened within 4 minutes of sealant application. Apply a 10 mm (0.39 in) diameter dot of silicone sealant to the areas indicated.
    Fig 1: Applying Diameter Dot Of Silicone Sealant To Areas
    G04655715Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Position the oil pan and a new gasket, and loosely install the bolts and stud bolts.
  4. Install the oil pan-to-transaxle bolts.
    • Tighten to 40 N.m (30 lb-ft).
  5. Tighten the oil pan-to-engine bolts in the sequence shown to 25 N.m (18 lb-ft).
    Fig 2: Tightening Oil Pan-To-Engine Bolts
    G04655716Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Install the oil pan-to-oil filter adapter bolt.
    • Tighten to 25 N.m (18 lb-ft).
  7. Install a new oil filter.
    • Tighten to 16 N.m (12 lb-ft).
  8. Install the front catalytic converter bracket and the 2 bolts.
    • Tighten to 40 N.m (30 lb-ft).
    Fig 3: Locating Front Catalytic Converter Bracket Bolts
    G04655717Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Install the front catalytic converter. For additional information, refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  10. Fill the engine with clean engine oil.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.