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Oil pan gasket replacement tips needed?

Tiny
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  • 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Watched some videos online about replacing oil pan. Looks like I have to hoist the engine in order to remove the oil pan.

It would be very helpful to have a diagram and maybe some step-by-step guide to find all the bolts and torque sequence.

Other tips also much appreciated
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Saturday, April 1st, 2023 AT 12:38 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
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Hi,

The engine does need to be slightly raised to do this. I have no idea why they design things this way, but they turn a simple repair into a major event on this one.

I attached the directions below for you. The directions include the torque specs. Take a look through them and let me know if you have questions or if I can help in any way.

Take care and let me know how things turn out.

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, April 1st, 2023 AT 3:42 PM
Tiny
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Hi, are there any suggestions for how to raise the engine and trans axel mentioned in step 22? I have an engine hoist that goes across but have never used one. I want to make sure I hook it up in the right places.
It would it not even work

https://a.co/d/hNqbMmq
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Sunday, February 11th, 2024 AT 10:42 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

That should work for you. When you bolt the chain, attach them to something of strength such as an intake manifold bolt or exhaust manifold bolt. Also, check two lift points provided by the manufacturer.

Just remember, if the engine mounts are attached, it will want to lift the frame with it. LOL Once you support the engine with the lift you have, remove engine mounts so it can move.

Let me know if that helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, February 12th, 2024 AT 2:49 PM
Tiny
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The engine has two metal ears, one on the left top corner, where alternator is attached, and one bottom right. I'd imagine that's what I would use to mount, but they are not in a straight line across, so that's something I didn't think about.
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Monday, February 12th, 2024 AT 10:48 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

I can see the one perfectly. The other one near the alternator, I believe I see in the pic as well. As far as them not being in direct line with each other, you still should be able to use your tool. The chains should angle and still work properly.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
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That makes sense. Thank you.

I'm not finding the starter remocal guide for my Chevy 2006 model. Could you please post those screenshots? I removed the two bolts, but not sure if there's a harness or removing each of the wires.
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Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 AT 9:39 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Yep, that needs to be removed as well. I attached the directions below. Let me know if they help or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
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On step 13 and after why does the vehicle need to be lowered? Is it just to have easier access to transaxle studs, which is the next step? Anything wrong with keeping the car raised throughout?

Also missing the point on loosening the transaxle studs and bolts. Sounds like that's to raise the engine slightly? Why does the engine need to be raised anyways? Is it to get easier access to some of the bolts?

Also, what does the arrow on the image mean? I assumed it was the front of the vehicle, but that doesn't seem to match.
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Friday, February 23rd, 2024 AT 10:50 PM
Tiny
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In this image it says to remove these bolts, but only one out of3 is accessible after removing the starter.

Am I supposed to rotate the harmonic balancer to get to others? After all 4 are removed, what if it accidentally moves?
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Saturday, February 24th, 2024 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

You will have to turn the crankshaft manually to turn the flex plate and access all of them. Do it from the crankshaft using a breaker bar.

If you can't turn the engine, the torque converter will still be attached to the flex plate, and it makes it a bit more difficult to remove.

Let me know how things are going or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, February 24th, 2024 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
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Why do I need to lower the vehicle on step 14?
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Saturday, February 24th, 2024 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

That is based on having it in the air on a lift. Once the bolts are removed, then the vehicle can be lowered to the ground to continue work.

Joe
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Sunday, February 25th, 2024 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
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I'm attempting to remove the oil pan without removing flexplate bolts and loosening transaxle nuts. I've shaved off a bit off the "boss" and I'm able to almost wiggle the pan out, except that the subframe is in the way. I've loosened the subframe corner bolts and raised the engine and transmission and have a jack stand under the transmission pan. I've pulled harmonic balancer enough. Not sure if it's possible or reasonable to keep trying to do this without the 21 through 23 steps
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Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 AT 10:07 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

I would need to see what is happening to make that determination. If it is still hitting on the subframe, it likely won't come out. Keep in mind, you need to be able to reinstall it without damaging the new gasket and RTV. If it is scraping, it may not be too easy.

Could you take a few pics and let me see what is happening? I may have a few suggestions.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
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I put a jack stand between the body and the subframe and pushed it an inch apart to give me that extra room. Probably but the safest way to do it but it did the trick.

Now I'm missing one of the smaller oil pan mounting bolts which is in the instructions listed as #2 18 foot pound torque.
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Friday, March 1st, 2024 AT 5:03 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. When you lower it and start replacing the components, make sure not to pinch or damage any wiring.

As far as the oil pan bolt, if you can't find it, (it happens to me all the time, too) take one of the others to a hardware store. That is a standard-size bolt and shouldn't be an issue to find.

Let me know how things work out or if you have questions.
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Friday, March 1st, 2024 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
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Any visual cues for how to apply sealant?
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 AT 5:35 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

The only thing I found was for applying RTV on each side of the rear main bearing cap. I attached that below.

The remainder should be covered with a gasket.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 AT 11:02 PM

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