98 GTP Oil Pan Gasket Replacement?

**2FASTGTP** · 04-21-2014

Hello all, as I approach 100k miles on my GTP, it has started leaking a few small drops of oil every day and I believe its from the oil pan gasket. Tommorow i am going to try and tighten the oil pan up a bit to see if that helps but if not, I may have to replace the gasket. I have read a multitude of clashing opinions on how to replace the gasket on my car. Many argue that you must lift the entire engine and its a massive PITA while others say all you need to do is jack the car and pull the pan out from underneath. Can any of you please clarify as to which method is the true way of replacing the oil pan gasket on a 98 GTP? Thanks alot in advance.

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 04-21-2014

You either have to drop the subframe enough to get at all the bolts or raise the motor up and drop the subframe.

Both ways are a pain in the ass on a garage floor.

**2FASTGTP** · 04-21-2014

Well that sucks. Trying to decide if its even worth doing or not. Definitley not going to shell out $900 for my mechanic to do it.

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**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 04-21-2014

900? Holy cow.

It's only like 3.5-4.5 hour book time job, just add parts and thats literally nothing.

Way back in like 2009 I think when I had my 1997 GTP I couldn't do this job on my car because I didnt have a clue how, I took it to a shop and they did it for around 450-500 or so.

**2FASTGTP** · 04-21-2014

Yep the one shop I went to last year said $900. I will shop around and see what other places offer. I also need to do my LIM and valve cover gaskets but those arent nearly as difficult, correct?

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**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 04-21-2014

Intake gaskets are easy, for me atleast. Only a few hour job really. No real pain in the ass, maybe just your back from bending over alot. A few writes up's on them, follow the steps correctly and you'd be alright.

**2FASTGTP** · 04-21-2014

Yeah thats what I thought. Might just say screw it on the oil pan thing then since my oil level is not even affected by it.

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**darkhorizon** · 04-22-2014

The gasket doesnt fail the pan does. Put a ton of rtv on a very clean pan side to fix the problem... dont buy a new pan gasket.

**2FASTGTP** · 04-24-2014

Found my leak. Question is, why cant I just drop the pan down and replace it and the gasket?? All the bolts seem to be accesible.

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**Russosaur** · 04-24-2014

Thats the trans pan, unless im looking at it wrong

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**2FASTGTP** · 04-24-2014

I believe it is, yes. But regardless its still the leaky spot.

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**Russosaur** · 04-24-2014

If its just then trans pan leaking then go get a filter and gasket and trans fluid. Remove pan, remove filtee, clean mating surface really good, clean trans pan good, put on new gasket and bolt back up done. Re add 7 quarts of new fluid, starr car cycle through all gears while parked. Check fluid level, add as needed. Should take 8 or so total.

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**2FASTGTP** · 04-24-2014

Thats awesome. When does the oil pan typically go bad?

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**Russosaur** · 04-24-2014

Some do some don't, im at 140k no leaks. Also my steps I forgot to add put in new filter. Also if you ever wanted a shift kit its the perfect time to do it when the pan is off. I can't remember what trans fluid you need. People at AZ should know and help you but I bet someone here knows.

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**2FASTGTP** · 04-24-2014

Ok I havent thought about shift kits before...i will have to check it out!

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**Russosaur** · 04-24-2014

Make sure to check the level while car is running.

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**Scottydoggs** · 04-24-2014

dont over tighten those tranny pan bolts, they snap off real easy like.

if you dont find any loose its time for a pan drop, filter, and the shift kit while your there is always a good idea.