Where Is the Crankcase Located?

Reviewed by

Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on November 22nd, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes
Summary
  • The crankcase is the housing that surrounds the reciprocating internal combustion engine’s crankshaft.
  • In most vehicles, the crankcase can be found between the engine block and the oil pan in the central area of the engine bay.
  • In general, you don’t have to fiddle with the crankcase unless you intend to rebuild the entire engine. Instead, you’ll probably find yourself working with the various parts mounted on it.

Q: Where Is the Crankcase Typically Located?

A: The crankcase can be found between the engine block and the oil pan. Most crankcases are an integral part of the block, protecting other engine parts from contamination from dirt and moisture.

The crankcase is the housing that surrounds the reciprocating internal combustion engine’s crankshaft. Its main job is to help the crankshaft rotate without hindrance and send torque to the transmission. Other roles include storing engine oil in its lower section (the oil pan) and serving as a mount for engine accessories, such as the oil filter, and starting motor. The engine mount brackets are bolted to the crankcase as well.

In most vehicles, the crankcase occupies the central area of the engine bay. Together with the engine block, it forms the core of the engine system.

Diagram showing the location of the crankcase | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Tips on How to Access the Crankcase

Accessing the crankcase should be relatively easy. When you open the hood of your car, you’ll see the engine block. The crankcase is usually integrated with the cylinder block. An integrated crankcase is cast from gray cast-iron, a cheap yet rigid and tough material that can withstand the intense temperature and pressure in the engine bay when the engine is running.

In general, you don’t have to fiddle with the crankcase unless you intend to rebuild the entire engine. Instead, you’ll probably find yourself working with the various parts mounted on it. These parts are either bolted or fastened to the crankcase. Or you might have to remove the oil pan, which is the bottom section of the crankcase and bolted to the underside of the engine block.

About The Authors
Reviewed By Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician