How much does it cost to replace an oil pan gasket

The cost to replace an oil pan gasket varies quite a bit by engine

An oil pan gasket is a fairly inexpensive part. It’s the labor that can be quite expensive and the cost to replace an oil pan gasket varies based on how difficult it is to remove the oil pan.

In many cases, the exhaust pipes run right under the oil pan and must be removed to get the oil pan out. Yet, in other engines, there’s nothing under the oil pan and it can be removed in about 20-minutes. Then there’s the really complicated ones like a 2010 Mazda CX-7 shown below.

Here’s an example of the cost to replace an oil pan gasket on a 2008 Subaru Outback

Here’s an example of an oil pan gasket replacement cost where the gasket is really cheap, but the labor is 1.7 hours because the engine has to be lifted up out slightly of the engine cradle

Example of oil pan gasket costs at rockauto.com

Labor cost

Example of oil pan gasket labor times from alldatadiy.com

Oil pan gasket replacement cost for 2010 Mazda CX-7

Gasket cost — Tube of instant setting RTV $25

This oil pan doesn’t have a gasket. The technician just applies a bead of RTV. But look at at the labor costs!

Gasket labor cost

To replace the RTV gasket sealant on this vehicle the technician has to: remove the battery and undercover shields, drain the engine coolant, disconnect the fuel line and high pressure pump, remove the ignition coils, loosen the water pump pulley and remove the drive belt, remove the power steering pump, remove the crankshaft position sensor, remove the front engine cover and then remove the oil pan. It’s a 5.1 hour job. With a $130/hr labor rate, the oil pan gasket replacement for this vehicle would run at least $700/

What other factors influence the cost of a gasket replacement?

If there are no obstructions and the technician can simply remove the oil pan bolts and drop the oil pan, it’s a simple 1-hour job. But these factors increase the cost:

The oil has to be drained

So add in the cost of an oil change

Exhaust pipes have to be moved out of the way

If an exhaust pipe is below the oil pan, it will have to be removed and if the pipe or bolts are rusted you may have to pay extra to drill out the rusted parts or even replace exhaust components.

Engine mounts have to be disconnected

If the engine has to be raised to gain access to the oil pan, the engine mounts will have to be disconnected from the engine cradle. If you have oil filled engine mounts and they’re leaking, this is the time to replace them since a good portion of the labor will be included in the oil pan gasket job.

Engine cradle or cross members must be removed

Any time you have to remove an engine cradle or cross member, there’s the possibility of encountering rusted/broken bolts and the necessity of an alignment afterwards.

©, 2023 Rick Muscoplat