How to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket in a Chevy Corvette

If you notice a puddle of oil under the engine of your Chevy Corvette, it may be an indication of a worn out oil pan gasket. Changing a Corvette's oil pan gasket isn't a simple job, but if you have mechanical experience, you may be able to do it yourself. Here's how to replace the oil pan gasket in the 1986 to 1996 model Corvette.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Lift the front end of the Corvette with a jack, secure it on a jack stand, and block the rear wheels. Crawl under the vehicle remove the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan.

2

Allow the oil to drain into a bucket, and once it has, reattach the drain plug bolt. Disconnect the transmission cooler lines from the flywheel cover and plug the lines to avoid contamination.

3

Unhook the catalytic converter pipe clamps from the exhaust pipe and manifold. Disconnect the wiring on the starter and the starter mounting bolts and the starter. Remove the oil filter and the oil cooler adapter. If you haven't already removed the flywheel cover, remove it now.

4

Unhook the oil cooler line from the oil pan, and if your Corvette is equipped with a sensor shield, remove it now. Remove the crossmember braces, front. Loosen the oil pan bolts, and write down the sizes and locations of each one so you can put them back accurately when you reinstall the oil pan.

5

Remove the oil pan and wipe it out with a clean rag. Wipe the joining surface with solvent. Apply a small bit of sealant to the corners of the oil pan and attach the new gasket. Reattach the oil pan and torque the bolts according to specifications.

6

Reinstall the front crossmember braces and the sensor shield, flywheel cover, splash shield. Replace the starter, wiring, and starter brace. Attach the oil cooler adapator, and a new oil filter. Attach the catalytic converter, pipe clamps and exhaust manifold.

7

Reattach the negative battery cable. Fill the crankcase with fresh oil, and check with the dipstick to be sure you've added the correct amount. Pour the old oil into an empty milk carton and dispose of it at a garage or at your neighborhood hazardous waste facility.