While changing the oil and filter the other day, I noticed that the outside of the sump is pretty smothered in oil. I'm guessing the sump gasket has failed and causing an oil leak.

I'm planning on removing and replacing the gasket on the next oil change, but would like to know if this is possible with the engine in?

If so, is it a fairly staightforward job or a right pain in the bottom?

 

It's a PITA.

They don't usually have gaskets its sealant.

The four bolts at the back are pretty much impossible to get to unless you jack the engine up and away from the subframe.

Once off you need to let ALL the oil drain away so oil doesn't drip into your new sealant.

I got mine off with the engine jacked up about 40mm but it was difficult and I don't have the heat shields on my headers which gives more room.

The dip stick tube can also be rusted in the sump and a bitch to get back in due to lack of room.

If the sump is rusty it might be that the oil is coming through it. That's what mine was. Oil seeping through the metal.

One of my least favorite jobs I have done on an Impreza so far.

Make sure you have a set of 1/4 extensions and knuckle/UJ for the rear bolts.

Use the correct sealant.

Don't over tighten the bolts.

 

easy enough undo the mounts and jack the engine up a little to access the rear bolts as there awkward
try not to buckle it trying to pry it off,just spend time cleaning it off well and reseal it using threebond 1215 job done

 

Thanks guys, I wasn't looking forward to the job before, even less so now...

 

Pain of a job to-do but doable, I jacked my engine from the gearbox (undone mounts and removed air filter etc first) and put blocks under the engine mounts to get a nice bit of room. I used a long flexible screwdriver to undo the bolts at the back, there not to tight tbh.
I found the dipstick the hardest part and be prepared to rip the orings!

 

Hi mate a tip on the sealant seen as you'll be doing it the hard way and won't want to do it again any time soon. Use good sealant as above has stated BUT! don't tighten the sump up straight away. Put the sealant beed on and put the sump in place with the bolts but don't tighten them right up just finger tight. Wait the full time the the sealant states for a full cure then tighten them up. You probably won't get a torque wrench in and they don't need much more than 7-8ft/lbs so don't over tighten each of the bolts. This way you wont squish all the sealant out and you'll get a nice sandwich of it to tighten upto.

 

Just been having a search around, and there appears to be sumo,gaskets available to buy?

Did different years have gaskets or sealant?

 

Ive got a better idea, do what I did when I changed my sump, Pay Enginetuner, scooby clinic etc who ever is near you to do it, £100quid will see it done and you wont have to worry!

 

£100 to drop a poo pan
I'm in the wrong feckin job

 

£100 to drop a poo pan
I'm in the wrong feckin job

 

I take your point, but it's not always about that. Sometimes it's nice to reaserch, learn and do it yourself.

 

Oh I completely agree, I do most things myself, I have a 2 post lift etc in myw orkshop and the scooby is justa toy that I play with as and when I have time/patience, but the sump pan isnt something i would entertain doing myself lol

 

This is a job that I need to do soon and got the stuff from import car parts, it came with gasket, three bond sealant and new sump bolts so it seems you use the gasket along with the sealant for extra insurance.

 

How are you in the wrong job? £100 is more than reasonable,

100

-20 VAT
-20 materials
-50 Labour 2hrs?
-10 profit

then take tax etc out of all that.... Its hardly like you are making a fortune is it

 

Lol if people will pay someone to do this for £100, il do it for £80.

 

Yep but that is tax free cash, that is a huge difference

 

Job will be done the same way though lol

 

Apart from the obvious fact that you are screwing the tax man and dont have the over heads of a garage etc....

 

Lighten up man
My comment was a bit of sarcasm
If you need to pay for a job then
" you need to pay "
Enjoy your wknd

 

I can and have done this job myself. I wouldn't do it for £100 cash....

 

If you do decide to-do this job yourself, be careful as the inner casings can be sharp as hell.