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I have a 2001 Sunfire with a 2.2 engine. I’d like to attempt to replace the gasket on the oil pan (definite leak) and on the transmission pan (possible leak). In order to raise the car, I’m limited to only using jack stands.
Is it safe to raise one side up & put it on a jack stand, and then raise the other side and put in the stand?
Will this give enough clearance to do both jobs?
Thanks!
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yes its safe as long as you are on level ground. if you are really worried about it, jack up the car to the lowest point of a jack stand, then do the other side, then come back and raise it to a higher point.
to do an oil pan you may need an engine hoist to lift the engine so you can drop the pan around a cross member.
You said you have an oil pan and possible trans pan leak. Is the leak coming from where the trans and engine join? If so you may have a rear main seal leak not a pan leak. Yes it is fine to jack up one side as long as your not on gravel, but why wouldn’t you just jack up the front if you have 2 jack stands? Also if you can rent a torque wrench any where (one that does inch lbs) you might want to do that cause those gaskets can easily split if they are over torqued. Also do not use any rtv sealant on either of those gaskets cause it can make them more prone to move and split. If you are doing the trans pan you might as well get a new filter for it while you have the pan open.
Jacking up the front and then placing the two jack stands would be ideal, though looking around (including in the owners manual and other manuals) I haven’t been able to find a front jacking point.
For the trans pan, it would be more precautionary really. There haven’t been drops of fluid in the driveway, but looking underneath (as much as possible without lifting the car)the pan looked dirty/potentially leaking around the gasket. I’d definitely be going the filter and gasket at the same time, just to get it out of the way.
Do either of you know about the size of an oil pan?
The main concern is having enough room to move it out with a person under there. I’ve never seen one out of a car and kinda assuming they’re about 12-15 in. I know the trans pan is pretty shallow, so no worries there. Thanks for the answers so far!I do it that way often you should be fine. Just be sure to look for secure places to put your jack like under where the lower control arm attaches to the subframe. Also put the parking brake on to keep the car from rolling while you jack it up. I use cardboard instead of a creeper because it allows me more room to work while I’m under the vehicle. Good luck with that job I’m sure it will be fun.
Thanks for all the input and the cardboard worked great!
Now here’s where I need a bit of help/suggestions:
What ended up happening was a bit of intimidation with the job, so I brought it into the shop. Turns out the oil pan was leaking due to a bit of warping, so ended up getting that replaced too. They ‘fixed’ the gasket, only for it to start leaking again later that day. So far the gasket has been replaced 3 times in the course of 4 weeks (no $$ out of pocket). Both they and I are at a loss as to why it’s continuing to leak. It’s primarily around the flywheel and the back of the pan (closest to the firewall).The first time it was sealed with only RTV. Brought it back they redid it with a gasket and RTV. Brought it back and they discovered part of the cause was from the oil pan being warped and a couple other smaller leaks, said to drive it for a bit and that there may be a little bit of residual oil dripping but that should clear up. Due to the weather each time I’ve left the car over night so they could make sure the RTV had enough time to cure.
Drove it for a week, still leaking, brought it back, they said that Pontiac no longer seals the pan with gaskets and that they were going to order the sealer/gasket maker directly from the dealership and try it one last time (Full refund if its still leaking after this). This time the leak went from drips to a small puddle in a matter of a few days.
Any suggestions on what could be going on?
Taking it back on Saturday for the final try. Really don’t want to take it to the dealership, since their price tag is $810 for the job.
I don’t think you are supposed to seal the oil pan or trans pan with RTV. I have always just cleaned both surfaces made sure they were dry and used the gasket only. The problem with RTV on those gaskets is that the RTV will allow the gasket to move around when you are torquing the bolts down causing it to tear. Have you looked at any of the gaskets that have been removed? Also, is it possible that the rear main seal is leaking and not the oil pan gasket?
No, unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see any of the gaskets after they were removed. I did ask them about the rear seal though, they said they checked it out and it didn’t appear to be that, but that it was still the oil pan gasket.
I have a HUGE issue with using RTV and a gasket. This method can actually cause a leak and should never be done. Let the gasket do the work and that’s that. There are times where a small amount of RTV would be used to seal a corner or something like that but DO NOT coat an entire gasket with RTV. So wrong.
That said given the location of the leak it’s possible it’s the rear main oil seal that’s leaking and not the oil pan gasket. I would suggest either installing dye in the oil or cleaning the area and spraying with leak detection powder to find the source of the leak before doing anything else. Also, no more RTV. Let the gasket do the work.
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