Pan gasket replacement 1995 STS

[ldagostini]

Does any one have a clear idea of what it takes to replace the pan gasket on a 1995 STS with Northstar. Does the motor have to come out completely as I have been told. Or , is it a matter of lowering the sub frame enough to separate pan from block to run a bead of gasket material and retorque?

[KHE]

Does any one have a clear idea of what it takes to replace the pan gasket on a 1995 STS with Northstar. Does the motor have to come out completely as I have been told. Or , is it a matter of lowering the sub frame enough to separate pan from block to run a bead of gasket material and retorque?

Yes - one of two methods can be used. In either case, replace the oil distribution manifold which is between the oil pan and the lower crankcase half as that is also a source of leaks - most people don't even realize it is there and assume it is just the oil pan that is leaking when the leak source is actually the seals in the oil distribution plate.

Method 1: Remove the engine and put it on a stand and replace the oil pan gasket with a fel-pro gasket and and re-seal between the seal and the outside perimeter with the GM Epoxy-RTV. Method 2: Remove the transmission, support the engine with the support tool that mounts to the strut towers and remove the subframe and exhaust crossover to gain room to remove the oil pan.

The oil manifold plate is retained by the main bearing bolts - the oil pickup tube will need to be removed as well as the oil baffle plate. When re-torquing the main bearing bolts, use a small amount of motor oil on the threads to prevent galling of the aluminum threads in the block. Follow the service manual torque specs and sequence to the letter.