Oil Pan removal

Tiny
MHERBERICH98
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 148,000 MILES
How do I remove the oil pan on a 1998 buick lesabre. Do I have to lower the pan a little and remove the pick up tube then pull the pan off completely? Is the oil pump located inside the oil pan or on the side of the engine accessed from the wheel well? Do you reccommend packing the oil pump with grease when replacing?
Sunday, May 9th, 2010 AT 6:23 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Yes you need to lubricate the gears and fill cavities with petroleum jelly before installing pump. Have to remove the front cover and oil filter adapter, gasket, pressure regulator and valve from front cover to access pump. Here are the instruction on how to remove the oil pan in the diagrams below.
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Sunday, May 9th, 2010 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
NIMROD72
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 BUICK LESABRE
Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

What kind of a job is it to change the oil pan gasket on a Buick Le Sabre. Is it something that I can do myself?
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there,

Instructions for sump removal.

mark (mhpautos)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/61395_snap_1_27.jpg

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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RSUKOVICH
  • MEMBER
  • 84 POSTS
  • 1995 BUICK LESABRE
Engine Mechanical problem
1995 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 130K miles

Are there any obstructions, such as pipes, brackets, etc, that have to be removed before I can drop the pan?
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi
Need to remove
engine torque strut
exhaust pipe
oil cooler lines
A/C compressor
engine mounts
attach trans jack raise engine remove oil pan.
Good Luck
Thanks for donate
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RSUKOVICH
  • MEMBER
  • 84 POSTS
I was under the car and don't see any of that stuff. It looks like the only thing is the cover that goes to the transmission. I can see all of the bolts holding the oil pan on, but not where that cover is. Maybe you can take another look. Re: Buick LeSabre 1995 Limited Edition 3800 engine. Thanks
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
GM provides generic instructions they state all models may not need removal of some items.
*Engine torque strut is on top engine looks like a dog bone
If A/C comp not covering up bolts leave it alone
*Engine mounts
*trans jack up engine
*Cover over torque converter
* must items
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RSUKOVICH
  • MEMBER
  • 84 POSTS
  • 1995 BUICK LESABRE
Engine Mechanical problem
1995 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 140K miles

What is the purpose of such a large oil pan gasket that appears to take up the whole opening of the pan rather than a strip type that just takes up the area around the rim or sealing area. Does the large gasket have to be used?
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Hello and thanks for donating

The purpose of this molded style gasket (AKA one-piece gasket) is that they seal much better than old styles and they are reusable. They don't stick to the oil pan, you can remove it, clean it and the pan and reuse it. They do a great job, I have never had a one piece leak yet. You can still use the old style which is obviously much cheaper, just an option to choose.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RSUKOVICH
  • MEMBER
  • 84 POSTS
I'm flabbergasted. Why would it start leaking in the first place and how would I keep it from leaking again if I re-install it. I hope I can reuse it, since a new one costs 40.00.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RSUKOVICH
  • MEMBER
  • 84 POSTS
One other thing. I asked the guy at the auto store and he told me that it is designed to keep oil from splashing up on the crankshaft, which if it did, it would interfere with the performance of the engine.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Yes, it has multiple purposes really and when the oil splashes up it just breaks the oil down faster. These types of seals are relatively new, cars have been without them for many years. It's not a mandatory part, its just a better option as stated before. They eventually wear out due to the amount of stress and heat they endure, that is why sometimes they may get a leak.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRIS2716
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 BUICK LESABRE
Engine Mechanical problem
1995 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Just replaced the old leaking oil pan gasket today. Soooo, I think I read someware that the Oil Pan bolts need to be torqued down in a spacific pattern. Is this true? If so can anyone throw me bone and hip me to the correct sequence? Please.
3.8 V6.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hi Chris,

I am not sure of any specific tightening sequence on an oil pan. I have never looked for one and of course never used one.

Anyway, here is how I tighten oil pan bolts.

If using the Cork gasket - Snug all bolts - Then tighten one at a time till the Gasket just starts to Squeeze out at the bolt. Drive vehicle for about a week and check gasket may need to retighten.

If using the Rubber Gasket - With some of these type gaskets they have metal gromets so you cannot over tighten - If doesn't have the Metal Gromets do same as with the Cork except when tighening let it squeeze out a little more. And you won't need to retighten as with the cork.

.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)

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