Oil pan gasket

arizonadebbi · #1 (**permalink**) 02-20-07, 07:04 PM

Ok, I'll be the first to admit that I don't know alot about N* engines. I was told that I have and oil pan gasket leak. Talked to my local Goodyear (first mistake) and they want 10 hours to replace it. Part is $34.00. So, 10 hours for a Oil pan gasket? They have to be kidding right?

Debbi

97STS4ME · #2 (**permalink**) 02-20-07, 07:21 PM

Thats probably about right. Some of the bolts on the back side of the pan are blocked partially by the transmission housing. The front side of the pan is also blocked by the sub-frame. Thats how it is on mine at least. As far as I can tell you basically have to seperate the engine from the tranny to do it. Don't know how much of that applies to the 2000 model though.

Eldo1953 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-20-07, 07:27 PM

Sounds about right, they have to move the trans to get that pan out. BTW I have the exact same car as you with the exact same problem!

**Ranger** · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-07, 10:59 PM

Yup, they have to drop the drivetrain to do it, hence the 10 hrs. How bad is the leak? If it is not dripping, live with it and consider it under car rust proofing.

arizonadebbi · #5 (**permalink**) 02-21-07, 09:40 AM

It's only a slight leak so I am not worrying about it too much right now. It just bothers me to know that I have a leak. You know how that goes, if something is broke you fix it.

Thanks for the info all. I guess I just had a case of sticker shock.

Debbi

**Ranger** · #6 (**permalink**) 02-21-07, 11:56 AM

I understand your concern Deb and I am much like you. I would normally fix a leak but in this case I would live with it. I assume that with a name like Debbi, you are not going to be crawling under the car to do any work on it. With that sexist assumption made, there is a cheap "fix" that you can try and may slow it down (probably won't not stop it) assuming that it is the pan gasket and not the halfcase seal if you have someone who can do it for you. If so, let me know and I'll post the procedure. It's not hard.

arizonadebbi · #7 (**permalink**) 02-21-07, 07:38 PM

Well, I won't be going under my car to fix it any time soon. Not because I am a woman but because I just don't have the equipment to do it properly. I always found myself alot more interested in doing my own body work versus mechanical. I'll leave it to the pros for now.

Thanks for the info.

Debbi

**Ranger** · #8 (**permalink**) 02-21-07, 08:07 PM

Well, if you have an in/lb torque wrench, a jack and jack stands you can do it. Not much more involved than removing and reinstalling bolts. Nothing to take apart.

Quote:

I always found myself alot more interested in doing my own body work

cadillacmike68 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-27-07, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

I understand your concern Deb and I am much like you. I would normally fix a leak but in this case I would live with it. I assume that with a name like Debbi, you are not going to be crawling under the car to do any work on it. With that sexist assumption made, there is a cheap "fix" that you can try and may slow it down (probably won't not stop it) assuming that it is the pan gasket and not the halfcase seal if you have someone who can do it for you. If so, let me know and I'll post the procedure. It's not hard.

Please post the procedure

Did you know the 2000 eldorado manual has about 50 pages devoted to timesert installation aka "thread repairs" They must have had a lot of these come in over the years to devote a whole sub-chapter to it.

**Ranger** · #10 (**permalink**) 05-27-07, 08:10 PM

Posted the procedure in your other thread.

Yeah, I've seen the thread repair section. Probably wouldn't be there if they made 'em out of cast iron, the way God intended motors to be made.

codewize · #11 (**permalink**) 05-27-07, 10:33 PM

If I recall correctly I think the book says 10.5 hrs. Just my .02