V6 Oil Pan Removal

[Henryf]

I am planning to replace the gasket on my oil pan (uses FIPG for gasket) on a 1989 Camry V6 (160,000 miles) to stop an oil leak. I have reviewed my Haynes repair manual regarding the steps for this repair, but found the information to general – I think there are steps included that are not necessary (but I am not sure). If you have removed the oil pan or know the steps, could you help by providing the 1, 2 3's for this repair and/or could you let me know of any areas during this repair that I may experience some problems. Any short cuts would also be helpful. Oil appears to be coming from the rear of the oil pan – I guess it could be the rear main seal (I hope not!). I have tightened the bolts holding the pan and it has not stopped the oil leak. Any advice will be appreciate.

Note: I have replaced the o-ring on the distributor and the valve cover gaskets and several years ago I replaced timing belt and water pump. It is not coming from the filter or oil sending unit.

[Daniel M. Dreifus]

So which step seem unnecessary?
I did the four cylinder.
Purchased new bolts and gaskets for the exhaust system. R&R the exhaust is the main part of the work.
There should be diagrams showing placement of the FIPG bead - or perhaps that was in the factory service manual. In any event, it is necessary to run the bead very close to the edge near the rear portion of the oil pan to avoid leaks.
On mine, I also had to replace the transmission pan gasket. Some thoughtful prior mechanic had stripped two of the bolts without mentioning.