Oil Pan Gasket?

Hey,

I've posted about an oil drip on my passenger side, i got my oil changed and the pan was covered in oil on the outside. I think that my oil pan gasket needs to be changed or something atleast. Anybody have any idea the cost/ amount of labor to do it? Can i do it myself? does the gasket need to be replaced or can i seal it? I am quite confused.

Looking at a couple hundred (at GM) since the engine and/or tranny have to be moved to access the pan. Not much you can do short of replacing the gasket.

just a couple hundred? ive heard prices at around 1400$?

Ill see if I cant find my paper work for the repair of mine or at least the hours since they also replaced the rear main seal at the same time....~Larry~

thanks, i pray its cheaper or something i can do myself

Wife has the car and is out shopping,so I should have it for you latter on tonight.

The engine has to be lifted out enough to get the Gasket out,since it has a so called windage tray built into the gasket....ive heard its a pain in the ass.....GM also had a TB out on the gasket and oil pan since it has ribbs and needs lots of RTV once the new gasket is replaced for it to hold its seal longer then it did from the factory.You may check and see if the bolts are tight,just a thought....but I do know that we all seem to have that problem.......~Larry~

For the rear main it could cost between $1000-$1400. If only the oil pan gasket, looking at $150-$250 depending on where you go.

If only the oil pan gasket, looking at $150-$250 depending on where you go.

Just found the paper work and you are correct.....it shows 8.8 hrs for rear main seal and 2.0 hrs for oil pan gasket which was only 147.00 for labor on replacing the gasket and 35 bucks for the gasket and get this, 13 bucks for RTV :screwy:....my total was a little over $1,200.00,thank god for an extended warranty with zero deductible.........~Larry~

My rear main and oil pan total was $1494.06 ($354 parts & $1140 labor). But that also included a new oil pan. Mine too was under warranty!

Oh my god...

so wait if just get the oil pan gasket and whatnot fixed it will cost me 200$? i dont believe my rear main is bad

Should be around there unless they discover something else when they have everything off.

is it almost a given that my rear main seal with fail?

It is a known problem with these engines as they approach 60-70000 miles.

hm my car has 48k and is a 97

You're probably ok but you could have it dye tested to be sure. If the rear main is going, better (and cheaper) to replace everything at once.

dye tested? how much is that to have done?

I think around $80 but mine was done as part of the entire diagnostic/repair for my rear main & OP gaskets.

In order for the oil pan gasket to be replaced, the entire engine and transmission are not manditory to remove are they? I've heard the labor alone for that is what costs so much. Some of you have said that it would cost me a little over 200$? Is it something i can do myself?

Im in Oklahoma and I went to a dealership and then to the mom and pop places. looking for a good deal The cost quoted were between $350.00 - $500.00

So I did it my self and to tell you the truth.....it wasn't fun. If you have a quote of $200.00 go for it. Otherwise if you have around 6-8 hours to spare the first thing you need to do is rent a engine hoist and a big ol prybar

good luck
Bob

so you have to remove the engine JUST TO REPLACE AN OIL PAN GASKET???

Quote from BIG-L
The engine has to be lifted out enough to get the Gasket out,since it has a so called windage tray built into the gasket

Quote from stlwagon
Looking at a couple hundred (at GM) since the engine and/or tranny have to be moved to access the pan. Not much you can do short of replacing the gasket.

Quote from anovib
Otherwise if you have around 6-8 hours to spare the first thing you need to do is rent a engine hoist and a big ol prybar



Yes, it has to be lifted out enough to remove the gasket.....~Larry~

So Larry what would you say an average price for it would be, you had it done for around 200$, is that simply the cost of labor AFTER the engine was removed or no? What would you say is a fair price to hear from a mechanic?

Id say about 300 bucks to replace it including parts and labor and make sure they look up the TB/Technical Bulletins from GM as it states to use RTV on the gasket when replacing it....or if they do it dry it will shrink and start to leak again....~Larry~

The gasket was never the problem. The way the oil pan was cast causes the problems. There are ripples on the corners and the preform gasket/windage tray doesn't hold a very good seal. It's a nuts and bolts job, not really that difficult. I had it done in two hours. If you do it yourself do yourself a huge favor and rent or buy an engine support, not a hoist. Private message me if you would like the step by step directions and or the TSB from GM.

Hm, any additional information would be great, i dont think i'll be doing it myself but the TSB from GM sounds good.

I need to get the papers scanned if you want the actual copy, but this is pretty much what it says.

Bulletin No.: 01-06-01-008A

Date: May, 2002

Subject:
Engine Oil Pan Leak (Seal with RTV Sealant)

Condition:
Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.

Cause:
The engine oil pan leak may be due to an uneven (rippled) sealing surface on the oil pan.

Correction:
Seal the leak with RTV sealant...

After that it basically tells you that the ripples were from the factory and not to replace the pan. Remove the old gasket clean the mating surfaces and apply an even 1/4" bead to both sides of the gasket and torque pan down to spec.

Hope it helps.

hmm i see, stupid flaw

I've never looked under one of these cars, but common sense dictates that if the labor for the gasket was only 2 hours, then you don't have to drop the cradle to change it.

The engine has to be supported by a support and the cradle has to be lowered for clearance. The way the front of the oil pan is shaped you don't have any room to work otherwise.

My car is leaking quite a bit of oil, it seems everytime i park it on my driveway a spot forms with a diameter of about 2-3 inches. My driveway has a nice lil area full of these spots. Is it safe to continue to drive my car like this as long as the low oil/ low oil pressure lights dont come on?

As long as the problem is actually the oil pan you should be ok (just keep an eye on oil levels). If it's the rear main and it lets go, you'll have problems.

hm, is there any way for me to check myself without disassembling anything major to see if oil is dripping from the rear main?