Genuine 1986 Chevrolet Caprice Oil Pan

1986 Chevrolet Caprice Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to disconnect and remove the engine oil pan in V8 engine on 1986 Chevrolet Caprice?

  A: Disconnect the battery positive cable, remove the air cleaner assembly and oil dipstick, then take off the distributor cap to prevent damage when raising the engine. Unbolt the radiator shroud and upper mounting panel, placing heavy cardboard between the radiator and fan blades to avoid damage. Disconnect the engine ground straps and accelerator cable, raise the vehicle on jackstands, drain the engine oil, and remove the driveshaft while plugging the end of the transmission with a clean rag. For manual transmission models, remove the bolts securing the shift lever to the linkage; for others, disconnect the linkage at the transmission, along with the speedometer cable and back-up light switch connector. Disconnect the clutch cordon shaft for manual transmissions or the cooler lines, detent cable rod or switch wire, and modulator line for automatics. Remove the crossmember bolts, raise the rear of the engine, and move the crossmember towards the rear, supporting the engine with jackstands. Remove the crossover pipe for single exhaust engines or disconnect the exhaust pipes for dual exhaust. Remove the transmission, flywheel housing, throw-out bearing, and flywheel. Raise the engine approximately 4 inches, supporting it with a hoist, and insert 2-inch blocks of wood under the engine mounts. Rotate the crankshaft until the timing mark is at the 6 o'clock position, remove the oil pan bolts, and tap the oil pan with a soft-faced hammer to break the gasket seal, tilting it down at the rear to clear the front cross member. Clean the gasket sealing surfaces of the block and pan, apply gasket sealer to the new side gaskets, and position them on the engine block, ensuring all bolt holes line up. Install the front and rear seals with gasket sealer, lift the pan into position, and install all bolts finger-tight, tightening the end bolts first. Lower the engine onto its mounts, install the through bolts, and tighten them to the specified torque, then add the correct grade of oil to the engine and check for leaks. For other vehicles, disconnect the negative battery cable, remove the air cleaner assembly, and the distributor cap. Unbolt the radiator shroud and hang it over the cooling fan, then raise the car on jack stands and drain the engine oil. Disconnect the exhaust crossover pipe at the manifold flanges, lower the exhaust pipes, and if equipped with an automatic transmission, remove the converter under pan; for manual transmissions, remove the starter and flywheel cover. Rotate the engine until the timing mark is straight down, remove the through bolts at each engine mount, and raise the engine slightly to allow the oil pan to slide clear of the cross member, using an engine hoist or a floor jack with a block of wood under the oil pan. Raise the engine slowly, placing wood blocks between the frame front cross member and the engine block, ensuring clearances around the engine. Lower the engine onto the wood blocks, remove the oil pan bolts, and tilt the oil pan downwards at the rear to clear the cross member, cleaning the gasket sealing surfaces before installing the new side gaskets and seals. Lift the pan into position, install all bolts finger-tight, and follow the appropriate tightening sequence.