How Much Does An Oil Sump Pan Replacement Cost in the UK?

An oil sump pan is a metal pan that is used to collect and store the oil in a vehicle’s engine. In addition to cooling the oil, the oil sump pan helps to keep the engine clean and free of debris. The pan typically has a drain plug at the bottom that allows for easy oil changes. Over time, the oil pan can become damaged or corroded, which can lead to leaks.

How much does it cost to replace an oil sump pan?

The average cost of replacing an oil sump pan is £200, with prices ranging from £130 and £300. The exact price of the oil sump pan replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer. Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of brake disc replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a brake disc replacement.

Average cost of an oil sump replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for an oil sump pan replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for oil sump pan repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for an oil sump pan replacement for your car.

Average cost of an oil sump replacement by manufacturer

Signs your oil sump pan needs to be replaced

• You notice an oil leak under the car when parked
• Low engine oil level/ topping up more frequently than usual
• Engine overheating

Oil leak or engine overheating

Oil leaks are one of the most common signs that an oil sump pan needs to be replaced. If you notice an oil leak coming from the bottom of your car or the oil level drops much quicker than usual, it's likely that your oil sump pan is the culprit. This is a problem because it can cause your engine to run low on oil, which may lead to engine damage.

Strange smell from engine

A symptom of a faulty oil sump pan is strange smells coming from your car's engine. If you notice that your car's engine smells like burning oil, it's likely that oil is leaking into the exhaust and causing the smell.

Check engine light on

If your car's check engine light is on, it could be due to a faulty oil sump pan or oil level sensor. If you notice the check engine light on, it’s always recommended to get it inspected as it may cause engine damage down the line.

Frequently asked questions about oil sump pan replacement cost

How serious is an oil pan leak?

It depends on the size of the leak and how quickly the oil is leaking out. An oil leak may not seem serious at first, but if enough oil leaks, it can lead to serious and expensive engine damage. It’s best to get any kind of oil leak inspected and fixed by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Can you fix a cracked oil sump pan?

Yes, a small crack in an oil sump pan can usually be fixed using a sealant, however, it is a temporary fix and will likely not hold for long. The long-term cost of replacing the oil pan is much lower and it is much safer than trying to patch up a crack.

Can I drive with a faulty oil sump pan?

Depending on the extent of damage or how severe the crack is, it may be possible to drive the vehicle. However, it is not advisable to drive with a cracked oil pan. Oil leaks caused by a cracked oil pan cause engine damage due to low oil pressure and the engine may overheat over time because of the low oil level.

How long does an oil sump pan replacement take?

To remove the faulty sump pan, the mechanic will usually need to detach it from the engine block. The whole process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors.

To get an accurate price for your vehicle, select your car and enter your postcode at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for an oil sump pan replacement through ClickMechanic.

Can I carry out an oil sump pan replacement myself?

Accessing, removing and reinstalling a new sump pan is a significantly challenging task if you’re not a trained professional and do not have the required tools and equipment. Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend an oil sump pan replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work.

What else could be the problem if my oil sump pan isn’t broken?

If you’re experiencing oil leak issues and it is not the oil sump pan at fault then it could be any of the following:

• Oil filter - a loose or faulty oil filter can cause oil to leak out
• Valve cover gasket - this seals the valve cover to the engine so if damaged can result in oil leaks
• Low coolant - if you notice the engine is overheating but no oil leaks, it could be that the coolant needs topping up

What happens during an oil sump pan repair?

During an oil sump pan replacement job, you can typically expect the following to happen:
* Mechanic will drain the oil from the sump.
* The oil sump pan will be removed and the bottom surface of the engine block cleaned.
* A new sump pan will be fitted and sealed with a new gasket or sealant and bolted into place.
* The engine oil will then be replenished and a new filter fitted.
* Mechanic will run the engine and ensure there are no leaks.