Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil pan gasket changing question.

[JHerrlich]

Well, my oil pan is still seeping and I think it's coming from the lip of the oil pan. I ordered a new gasket for $15. 10. I know that you're supposed to pull the transmission to get the oil pan out, but is it possible to change the gasket with the inch or so of clearance I can get, without dropping the transmission?



I've already done a clutch swap with a friend of mine and I don't want to even consider dropping the transmission without him being around.



I'm worried about the gasket not coming off cleanly and having to clean the sealing surface without getting anything into to oil pan.



Thanks,

 

[RichB59]

I had a leak

at my oil pan. It was suggested on the tdr to retorque the oil pan bolts. I did it and no more oil leak it's an easy fix. LOL



RichB

 

[JHerrlich]

Unfortunately, I tried that. I retorqued everything to 18ft/lbs and it just got worse. Then I removed the four culprit bolts, cleaned the threads, degreased them and the holes and ran them back up with RTV and still no joy. It made them worse. It was leaking for a while but I think it found a weak spot and finally broke through the gasket.

 

[JHerrlich]

Well, I got around to changing the oil pan gasket. That wasn't the problem. It looks like the pan was cracked at one of the bolt holes. I never torqued the bolts past 18 lb/ft cold at any time. As far as I know, I'm the only one that has even touched the bolts at all. Now I'm going to have to look for a "friendly" dealer to replace the oil pan. Believe me, I know how much work you have to do to replace the gasket (I managed to do it without unbolting my transmission). Would this work be covered under the 5 year/100,000 mile engine warranty? I don't even know if I'll have a chance, considering my bombs (see profile).



Thanks,



Jason

 

[MxerChris]

Jason, I took my truck by the dealer monday and showed them a leak on my 99 that has 98k miles and they punched my vin# in the computer and sure enough right there on the printout it said oil leaks covered for 100k, they asked me when did I want to leave it without batting an eye.

 

[JHerrlich]

That's good to know. I called around the dealers yesterday, and they both said that it wasn't covered but they'd check. One called back and said no way (probably scared of the job) and the other one said he's ordering the part and to bring it in on Monday. I just hope they don't try to weasel out of it.



I never torqued above 18 lb/ft and I was checking the torque yesterday. The bolt went uncharacteristically too far without reaching 18 lb/ft and I knew what that meant, something just gave way. I guess I widened the crack some.