Q: How to remove and install an oil pan in DOHC engine?
A: The first step in removing the oil pan is to loosen the lug nuts of the front wheel, raise the front of the car and support it properly on jack stands placed underneath its frame. After that, take off the front wheels and drain out engine oil after removing the dipstick. Remove the front differential assembly from 4WD models. When applicable remove transmission support bracket and also clutch/torque converter access plate. Free engine from motor mounts and lift one or two inches with an engine hoist. Take off oil pan retaining bolts lifting away oil pan from block. In case pan sticks, tap softly using a soft-faced hammer to pry it loose. For reinstallation, scrape away any traces of old gasket material and sealant from both block as well as oil pan using scraper.Hereafter Lacquer thinner or acetone should be used to clean gasket sealing surfaces while bolt holes in block must also be cleaned.It is important to check for distortion around bolt holes on oil pan flange.Repairing of gasket surface by flattening with a hammer placed over a piece of wood when necessary.With new O-ring assemblies,oil pump pickup tube is slid into place and torqued down.The strut bar over the top of strut towers will have to be removed so that exhaust pipe can disconnect from exhaust manifold then remove engine mounts.The engine block is raised about an inch with use of an engine hoist.A thin layer of RTV sealant should be spread over the flange before putting back on oil-pan.Place new gasket onto bottom side of pan making sure bolt holes are aligned.Pan mounting bolts should be installed into holes and tightened in crisscross pattern against side face.Engine goes back down until it sits solidly on top again.This will involve installing clutch/torque converter access plate provided these parts were originally present along with transmission support bracket if available.Putting transmission back in can only happen where there are 4-wheel drive models. Fill engine with oil and insert dipstick into the dipstick tube.The front wheels can now be put back on as the vehicle comes down to ground.Engine is started and pan checked for leaks.
Q: How to remove and install an oil pan on a Chevrolet Tracker SOHC engine?
A: Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands placed under the frame. Drain the engine oil. Remove the splash shield from under the engine. On Tracker and Sidekick models, remove the front differential carrier assembly. Remove the bell housing lower plate. On 1996 models, disconnect the electrical connector from the crankshaft position sensor. Remove the bolt and detach the sensor from the oil pan. Remove the bolts and detach the oil pan. Don't pry between the block and pan or damage to the sealing surfaces may result and oil leaks could develop. Use a soft-face hammer to dislodge the pan if it's stuck. On Samurai models, the oil pickup tube must be unbolted and dropped into the oil pan before the oil pan can be removed. Use a scraper to remove all traces of old gasket material and sealant from the block and oil pan. Clean the gasket sealing surfaces with lacquer thinner or acetone and make sure the bolt holes in the block are clean. Check the oil pan flange for distortion, particularly around the bolt holes. If necessary, place the pan on a block of wood and use a hammer to flatten and restore the gasket surface. Before installing the oil pan, apply a thin coat of ATV sealant to the flange. Attach the new gasket to the pan. Position the oil pan against the engine block and install the mounting bolts. Tighten them to the torque. Wait at least 30 minutes before filling the engine with oil, then start the engine and check the pan for leaks.