Shop Wants $600 To Replace Oil Pan And Gasket???

[97GTzbban1]

I have a '97 GP GT (3800, VIN K) and the oil pan's leaking. I have heard that they're prone to leaking....Called a couple of places and they want anywhere from $500 - $600 to replace just the oil pan and gasket...is this right? And there's something about the gasket costing $66 because it's a "new" design? 4.6 hours of labor...why? Is the exhaust in the way or some part of the frame that they have to move or is it necessary to pull the motor? What gives.......anyone know? I've searched for oil pan here, but nothing comes up, was hoping to find a how-to on it, but nothing.

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

Its a pita to do you have to lift the engine drop the cradle its not a fun job 5-600 is about right find a guy of craigslist like me I only charger 25-50 an hour

[97GTzbban1]

Wow, that's a job. I thought it must be by the labor price they quoted me. Well, I guess it'll have to just do what little dripping it's doing now till I have (or want to part with) the money to fix it. As far as CL, I may put an ad up for a mechanic, but the last time I did that for my previous car, I got someone who said they knew what they're doing....yea, right. Ended up paying out the rear to "fix" what they "fixed". Wish I knew an HONEST mechanic around the Detroit area to take my GP to....*sighs*. Thanks for your input!

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

The craigs list thing is tricky BUT there are alot of out or work techs out there lookin the service offered section AND not at the hookers check for certifications and ase's

[97GTzbban1]

Yes, there are and being in MI, even moreso because of the economy. I was just thinking....is there some way to seal the leak up, some kind of solvent to be added to the engine, or something along those lines until I can save up the cash to plunk down multiple Ben Franklins to have the whole mess replaced?

[mrlogic1234]

They sell leak stopper and all of that, but for some reason I don't think its good to put that gunk in your enigne. I say just keep an eye on the oil level untill you can afford it. Btw I know a honest mechanic thats in the Detroit area. He just did a engine swap for me about 2 months ago. Replaced all of my gaskets, and used my S/C on the new motor for a decent price. PM me if you need more info.

[97GTzbban1]

Yeah, I agree with not wanting to put sealing gunk in my motor, but I guess it's just so frustrating thinking about having to pay so much to fix a leaking gasket that I was beginning to pull at straws. PM on it's way.....

[TheOtherNick]

When you do replace the gasket, make sure to tell them to rtv both sides of the new gasket or it will not seal.

[97GTzbban1]

Will do, thanks so much for the tip!

[SlowNA06]

Stumbled across this looking for other stuff... maybe it'll help.

Grand Prixs Of North America • View topic - Oil Pan Replacement

[GrandPrixSE]

Lucas Engine Oil Stop Leak! I have used Lucas products in all my cars that I have owned! I've never had a problem with them, and they work great!

Engine Oil Stop Leak : Lucas Oil

[AjL227]

To OP: If you can't do the work yourself on your car, you can't expect to not pay more than you really have to. You just have to search around for the best deal, and in the end have a shop you trust do the work. Good luck.

Lucas Engine Oil Stop Leak! I have used Lucas products in all my cars that I have owned! I've never had a problem with them, and they work great!

Engine Oil Stop Leak : Lucas Oil

It is hard to believe what you say here, when it says "Oil Leak*Check*" in your signature...If the oil pan gasket needs to be changed, it needs to be changed. There is no easy or quick way around car maintenance.

[GrandPrixSE]

It is hard to believe what you say here, when it says "Oil Leak*Check*" in your signature...If the oil pan gasket needs to be changed, it needs to be changed. There is no easy or quick way around car maintenance.

Sorry! I forgot to update that to "Fixed".

[RyanL]

Stumbled across this looking for other stuff... maybe it'll help.

Grand Prixs Of North America • View topic - Oil Pan Replacement

wow i knoew it was a big job but this is just ridiculous! i owned a 97 bonneville se same 3800 series 2 engine and didnt have to do any of that exept remove oil level sensor.

secondly what cant gm be like most other car companys and just put the oil light on when the pressure goes low... usually meaning low oil... lol

[blueguy]

secondly what cant gm be like most other car companys and just put the oil light on when the pressure goes low... usually meaning low oil... lol

They do...it does come on when the pressure goes low. You've got it mixed up...There is a oil PRESSURE light...AND LOW OIL light. Two totally different things there jeeves.

[VinnieGTP]

GM doesn't apply RTV when putting a pan on so you don't have to either. RTV is just an insurance policy, not a necessity. If you do apply it use it sparingly and let it cure before you put oil in teh car of start it. The last thing you want is RTV clogging your oil pickup tube because it was still wet when you drove the car.