Oil Pan: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION






NOTE: Typical 3.6L engine upper and lower oil pans shown.

There is an upper and lower oil pan. The upper oil pan is cast aluminum and also serves as the engine lower end structural support. The lower pan is a stamped steel design. Both upper and lower oil pans are sealed using Mopar(R) Threebond Engine RTV Sealant.





CAUTION: Do not attempt to support the weight of the engine on the windage tray. The windage tray is a thin cast aluminum construction and can be easily damaged.

The high pressure die cast aluminum windage tray is mounted to the main bearing caps and is designed to keep oil off of the connecting rods as the crankshaft rotates. When the oil is kept off the connecting rods, the engine rotates easier and oil foaming decreases. Like the oil pan, the windage tray is designed to stiffen the lower end of the engine. The tray is directional and the main bearing cap bolts hold it in place.