Oil Pan Gasket

Ive searched through the forums here and found conflicting answers. My oil pan is leaking from the gasket and i was wondering how to remove the pan to get at it. Two sides are open so not a problem. One side is covered by the driveplate inspection cover which is easily removed. Its jsut that one last side, which seem to have the bolts located directly above part of the chassis.

How can i get to that last side of bolts ?

Ive read about people renting engine lifts and such, and repairs of 1400$ +. My Haynes repair manual isnt very clear either.

Thanks in advance

Steve

Sorry Steve but unfortunately, the pan on the 3.8 is very hard to drop and you will need to lift the engine far enough out of the car to be able to remove it. That is why you have seen repair bills to $1400. An engine hoist will become your best friend before this job is over.

UGH !

hmmmm so i guess jacking it up from underneath wont cut it...tighten the bolts it is !

one more thing, what is this "windage tray" ive seen talked about ?

THX GTP Dad

-Steve

The windage tray is a plastic baffle built into the gasket to keep the oil from sloshing around and getting into the crankshaft as it spins.

My oil pan gasket was replaced on a 1997 Regal GS...i think its similar...instaed of lifting the motor they dropped the sub frame....i guess labor wise it's probobly about the same time...a pretty big job.