oil pan gasket replacement on a 98 LS1 camaro

**98-LS1** · 03-13-2006, 03:33 PM

I got quoted over $450.00 through the dealership just to replace the oil pan gasket on my Z-28!

I ain't paying that, it's barely wet around the front under the harmonic balancer on the pan. Is this something I can do myself without pulling the motor out? Looks like the pan would slide out the rear being the crankshaft is placed more inside the motor than older style small blocks or would it hit? I can't stand having any kinds of oil leaks but before I attempt this I was looking for some tips from someone who knows more than me about these things, thanks!

redls1bird · 03-13-2006, 04:50 PM

from what i remember it looking like, its really tight. i would think that you would have to disconnect the motor mounts and jack the engine up a little to get enough clearance. im not sure if that would do it though.

**toecutter_tx** · 03-13-2006, 05:17 PM

You will need to drop the k member to get the clearance you need.

**02z28ls1** · 03-13-2006, 07:18 PM

Oil pans are almost always a PITA,they take more clearance than it looks due to the oil pump pickup being so close to the bottom of the pan. My advise-live with the barely wet leak,it's meaningless. Clean it off every once in a while with some brake clean,or pony up the bucks for someone else to do it.

**Hot Black Trans-Am** · 03-13-2006, 10:50 PM

A couple bottles of the good old leak stopper should plug up that leak for a couple of bucks! (Not to mention everything else too)

**98-LS1** · 03-14-2006, 05:15 AM

I'll just deal with it for now and if it gets worse then I'll pay the dealer to fix it, thanks but I don't feel like going through all that trouble just to fix a small leak. Thanks again

**BIG D's SS** · 03-14-2006, 05:36 AM

You can jack up the motor and get enough room to drop the pan down some, but you wanty be able to pull it out unless you drop the k-member.

**98-LS1** · 03-14-2006, 08:45 AM

Thanks, Big D, been a while since I've hollered at ya'll. Work has been a pain in the ass this past month but I'm still trying to get out of drill in April for the Year One show.