Expert: Sean Halliday - 12/28/2009

Question
I have a '97 subaru legacy outback with a 2.2 engine (instead of the factory 2.5) my oil pan has a mystery hole in it next to the drain plug, that was plugged by a rubber stopper.  The rubber stopper  wore out and all of my oil is gone.  I've decided that it would be best to replace the oil pan instead of this mystery stopper, but the mechanic estimated $500 - can I do this myself or is there something incredibly tricky about it that makes it cost $500?

Answer
Nothing tricky but unless you have the skills,it may be.Most shops have a hoist and air tools which make it a lot easier but the average person can do it.It will be messy.This car may have a cross member that needs to be removed and will probably need a variety of tools/wrenches.