3.4 dohc oil pan replacement

[d.o.h.c]

Ok guys, I noticed that my oil pan had been leaking ever since my rebuild. I thought that it was the gasket. Come to know I had a vacuum leak at my PCV valve, I was told that this would cause a build up of crank pressure and would leak at the oil pan. Anyways, I started to take the pan off. I got all the bolts of and what not. but the pan only drops 3-4inches. So I took the starter off and still not to much more access. So what I am thinking is I drop the front of the frame like I did for the rear(steerin gear). Only thing is I have no engine lift. I think that I can take the nuts off the motor mounts and then place a jack under the frame and take the mounting bolts off the frame and lower it down. Only problem is that it will be putting a lot of stress on the dogbone and tranny mount. I only need it to be dropped for 15 min. What u guys think.

[pontiacdohc@gmail.com]

go rent a engine support fixture tool or use a 4x4 and suprot the engine first


if u were to take the sub frame down the only thing that would be holding that engine and trans in the car would be the exhaust and the dog bone all the trans mounts and engine mounts are attached to the sub frame

[d.o.h.c]

Thats a very good idea. How would I use a 4x4. I need to get this done tonight so please let me know.

[d.o.h.c]

I read your post again. I am not going to take the whole subframe down just the front. the rear is still attached.

[Dave96z34]

You have to take the frame out I could of told you that one.

[gpse3400]

Hold on a sec, Drop the passenger side of the frame, disconnect the ball joint, you'll be able to get it out. Disconnect the steering shaft as it might hang up. That should give you just enough clearance to get it out, if you still need more space get some one to step on the control arm.

[d.o.h.c]

Well I went another route. I cut cut the gasket and snaked it around the crankshaft. If it does not seal my dad said that he will pay for gm to fix it. I know the right way is to drop the frame, so I am thinking it might be going to gm

[dohcfiend]

where did you cut it at? hopefully not at the front or rear seals. if you cut it onthe sides, you should be alright. if it leaks get some rtv and call it a day.

[Schurkey]

Ok guys, I noticed that my oil pan had been leaking ever since my rebuild. I thought that it was the gasket. Come to know I had a vacuum leak at my PCV valve, I was told that this would cause a build up of crank pressure and would leak at the oil pan.

The main issue I see is that a leak at the PCV won't cause a build-up of pressure. Therefore, no abnormal stress on the gasket. Therefore no oil leakage due to the PCV vacuum leak.

Any pressure in the engine is vented through the breather side of the PVC system, even if there isn't vacuum to the PCV valve.

That doesn't mean the pan gasket "couldn't" be leaking; just that the leak wouldn't be related to the PCV vacuum leak.

Any chance the oil leak is really the oil pressure sending unit or oil filter or some other cause; and the oil is just drooling downward so it appears to be coming from the gasket?