How to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket in a Mercury Cougar

If you own a Mercury Cougar, changing the oil pan gasket isn't something that you'll need to do too often. Oil pan gaskets tend to last a very long time, but if you notice that oil is leaking from the bottom of your car, there's a change that a worn out oil pan gasket may be to blame. Like most Mercury Cougars, models produced between 1999 and 2000 require lifting the engine to change the oil pan gasket.

Instructions

1

Remove the drain plug on the oil pan, drain the oil into the drain pan and remove the oil filter. Be sure the oil pan has completely drained, then replace the drain plug. Attach an engine support device in preparation for lifting the engine.

2

Disconnect the negative battery cable and use a wrench to remove the pulley shield on the water pump, the exhaust bracket, crossover pipe and heat shields, rear plate on the lower engine, center bolts on the left and right engine support insulator and the front engine support brackets. Before you remove the engine support bracket, mark the location.

3

Raise the engine high enough to access the oil pan and remove the pan. Carefully scrape off the old gasket and wipe the surface with engine cleaner.

4

Put a thin line of silicone sealant to the area where the oil pan joins the front engine cover and lower cylinder block.

5

Apply a new gasket and reattach the oil pan. On a 1999 Mercury Cougar, the bolts should be tightened to 15 to 22 foot pounds and the bolts on the transaxle case should be tightened to 25 to 34 foot pounds. Lower the rear plate on the rear engine.

6

Lower the engine back into place very carefully and replace the components described above in reverse order. Finish by reconnecting the negative battery cable.

7

Fill the engine with fresh oil. Mercury advises that SAE5W-20 motor oil is best for a 1999 Mercury Cougar. Check with a dipstick to be sure you've added the correct amount.