How to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket in an Oldsmobile Alero

If you own an Oldsmobile Alero and you've noticed a puddle of oil beneath the engine, a worn out oil pan gasket is one possible culprit. Replacing the oil pan gasket on some models of the Alero, especially those with larger motors, is very complicated and requires removing many engine components. However, other models with smaller motors are fairly straightforward. Here's how to change the oil pan gasket on the 1999 to 2004 Alero with a smaller, 2.2 L motor.

Instructions

1

Park the Oldsmobile Alero on a flat surface, set the parking brake and block the rear wheels. Jack up the front of the car and secure it safely on a jack stand.

2

Remove the strut bracket on the engine mount, drive belt and lower and upper air compressor bolts. Put a bucket under the oil pan to catch the old oil, and remove the oil pan drain plug with a socket wrench. Allow the oil to drain into the bucket, and then replace the drain plug securely.

3

Loosen the bolts holding the oil pan, and then remove them with your fingers so they don't drop in the oil. Remove the oil pan and clean off the old gasket, making sure no traces remain.

4

Wipe out the inside of the oil pan with a clean shop rag, and wipe the mating surface of the oil pan with solvent.

5

Run a thin bead of liquid gasket around the mating surface of the oil pan, and reattach the oil pan while the liquid gasket is still wet. Do not over-apply the liquid gasket.

6

Tighten the bolts on the oil pan to 18 ft. lb. with a torque wrench. Replace the bolts on the air compressor, engine mount bracket and the drive belt. Remove the car from the jack stands.

7

Fill the crankcase with fresh oil. 2000 Oldsmobile Alero models require between 4 and 4.5 qt., so check with a dipstick to ensure you've added to the fill line. Pour the old oil into an empty milk jug and take it to a garage or a waste disposal facility.