GM 8653942 Pan Kit, W/Gasket & Bolts, Trans Oil

Disconnect the negative battery terminal, then raise the front of the car and support it on jack stands. Drain the engine oil into a suitable container and remove the front exhaust crossover pipe, followed by the flywheel inspection cover and the starter. If equipped with a manual transaxle, remove the nuts securing the engine mounting bracket to the engine mount, and raise the front of the engine about 3/4-in (19 mm) to provide clearance for the oil pan removal. A spacer can be fabricated from a block of wood, measuring the height of the engine mount studs and choosing a solid block approximately 3/4-in thicker than this measurement, with drilled holes to fit over the studs. If an engine hoist is unavailable, use a floor jack with a wood block under the oil pan to spread the load and prevent damage. Raise the engine slowly until the wood block spacer can be placed between the engine mount and the engine mount bracket, checking clearances as it is raised, particularly at the front engine strut. Lower the engine onto the wood block, ensuring it is firmly supported, and if using a hoist, keep the lifting chains secured. Remove the oil pan bolts and the oil pan, using a rubber mallet if necessary to break the seal. Clean the gasket sealing surfaces on the engine block and oil pan with degreaser, ensuring all sealer and gasket material is removed. Apply a 1/8-in (3 mm) diameter bead of RTV or equivalent sealer around the pan's sealing flange before positioning the oil pan against the engine block and installing the mounting bolts, torquing them to specifications. If the engine has been raised, lower it onto the engine mount and install the retaining nuts, torquing them to specifications. The remainder of the installation follows the reverse of the removal procedure. Finally, fill the engine with the correct grade of oil, start the engine, and check the pan for leaks.

To change the fluid, ensure the engine and transmission are at normal operating temperature, and if the vehicle is raised, keep the transmission level. Begin by safely supporting the vehicle on jackstands. For some models, removing the transmission support crossmember may be necessary to access all pan bolts, so support the transmission with a jack beforehand and be cautious of hot fluid. Place a large pan underneath to catch the fluid, loosen all pan screws, and drain the fluid by pulling down one corner, avoiding prying with a screwdriver to prevent damage. After draining, remove the pan screws and clean the pan with solvent, ensuring it is air dried thoroughly and free of lint. A small amount of metal shavings is normal, but excessive amounts indicate potential transmission damage. Next, remove the filter or strainer retaining bolt, clean the reusable strainer if applicable, and replace filters as needed. Install the new filter or cleaned strainer with a new gasket, tightening screws to specified torque. Reattach the pan with a new gasket, tightening bolts evenly, and replace the crossmember if it was removed. Lower the vehicle and add DEXRON®II fluid through the dipstick tube. Start the engine, let it idle without racing, shift through each lever position while holding the brakes, and check the fluid level in PARK, ensuring it is between the two dimples on the dipstick. After driving to warm up the transmission, check the fluid level again, ensuring it reaches the FULL mark, and drain any excess to prevent aeration and potential damage. Before making any diesel engine linkage adjustments, check and adjust the injection timing as necessary, since engine performance impacts transmission shifting characteristics, and perform these adjustments together. The vacuum valve adjustment for THM-350s on 1979 and later models requires special tools.

Fan shrouds, air cleaners, and exhaust pipes should be removed.

The front gasket should be placed on the timing gear cover.

Clean the gasket sealing surfaces on the engine block and oil pan with degreaser, ensuring all sealer and gasket material is removed.

Follow the removal steps in reverse order, fill the engine with the correct grade and quantity of oil, start the engine, and check for leaks.

Clean any dirt or old gasket material from the sealing surfaces.

Remove the oil pan attaching bolts and the oil pan itself.

Remove the nuts securing the front engine mount to the cradle and the exhaust crossover pipe.

Raise the engine slowly until the wood block spacer can be placed between the engine mount and the engine mount bracket, checking clearances as it is raised, particularly at the front engine strut.