I have a 1997 escort . How hard is it to replace an oil pan gasket? Can I use a gasket sealer like permatex?

REMOVAL

1. Remove the three way catalytic converter (TWC) (5E212). Refer to Exhaust System.

2. Remove the oil pan drain plug and drain the oil from the engine.

3. Remove the (A) two oil pan to transaxle bolts and remove the (B) TWC to oil pan bracket.

NOTE: Remove the oil pan bolts evenly and sequentially.

4. Remove the ten bolts and remove the oil pan and oil pan gasket (6710). Discard the gasket.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Do not use abrasive grinding discs to remove gasket material; use only manual scrapers. Do not scratch or gouge aluminum sealing surfaces.

1. Clean and inspect the mounting faces of both the oil pan and the cylinder block. To remove all traces of previous sealer, use solvent to clean the cylinder block and oil pump. Both surfaces must be flat, clean, and dry.

NOTE: Install the oil pan within ten minutes after the sealer is applied.

2. Apply Silicone Gasket and Sealant F6AZ-19562-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSE-M4G323-A5 approximately 3.0 mm (1/8 inch) wide at the oil pump to cylinder block joints and the crankshaft rear oil seal retainer (6335) to cylinder block joints.

NOTE: Ensure the press fit tabs are fully engaged in the oil pan gasket channel when installing the oil pan gasket and oil pan.

3. Install the oil pan gasket in the oil pan.

4. Install the oil pan. Tighten the bolts in the sequence to 20-30 Nm (15-22 ft. lbs.) .

5. Install the TWC to oil pan bracket and tighten bolts to 40-55 Nm (30-40 ft. lbs.) .

6. Install the TWC.

7. Install the oil pan drain plug (6730) and tighten to 40-55 Nm (30-40 ft. lbs.) .

8. Lower the vehicle.

9. Fill the engine with the specified amount and type of engine oil.

10. Start the engine and check for oil leaks.

read the book> dont have one,,buy one,, its part of the cost of doing the job,,l its a tool..like a wrench or a gasket dont you can use a sealer ON THE PROPER GASKET

Read the Motors and Chiltons auto repair manuals for free at your local public library and xerox pages you need for reference. Double check for any Ford TSB (technical service bulletins) on service procedure updates.