ENGINE OIL LEAK AT OIL PAN (PAN & GASKET PKG.)

SUBJECT: ENGINE OIL LEAK AT OIL PAN ON 3300/3800 V-6 ENGINES (NEW OIL PAN AND GASKET PACKAGE)

MODELS AFFECTED: ALL 1989-90 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3300 OR 3800 V-6 ENGINES

Some 1989-90 vehicles equipped with 3300 or 3800 V-6 engines (VIN Codes C and N) may experience an engine oil leak in the area of the engine oil pan. If, after performing an oil leak diagnosis as outlined in Service Manual Section 6 (Engine General Information), it is determined that the engine oil pan to block joint is the source of the leak, it can be repaired by installing an engine oil pan and gasket kit, part number 12350268 for all models except Riviera/Reatta and oil pan and gasket kit, part number 12350269 for Riviera/Reatta.

NOTE:

Oil Pan and Gasket Kit, Part No. 12350269, may also be used to correct an intermittent low oil level message on 1989-90 Rivieras/Reattas. Please reference Bulletin No. 90-8-13 for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE:

1. Remove oil pan (refer to Service Manual, Section 6A).

2. Replace oil pump pickup screen (Riviera/Reatta only) provided in kit, part number 12350269.

IMPORTANT:

Make sure that the engine block and oil pan surfaces are clean and dry. Do not use any sealer or glue on the oil pan, gasket or block as it can cause the gasket to squeeze out and split.

3. Fill any voids at the rear main bearing cap side seals. When the gasket is removed, it sometimes adheres to the bearing cap side seal material. Any side seal material that was removed should be replaced with RTV sealer and trimmed flush to the block.

4. Install new pan gasket over dimples on new oil pan and install oil pan loosely to block.

NOTE:

The following torque procedure is different from that shown in Service Manual, Section 6A.

5. Torque all oil pan bolts to 10 N.m, (7 lb.ft.) then retorque all bolts to 16 N.m. (12 lb.ft.).

6. Install starter motor and transaxle converter cover.

7. Install dipstick provided in kit, part number 12350269.

8. Install engine oil and negative battery cable.

NOTE:

The new oil pan and gasket went into production April 11, 1990 on engines used in Skylark, Century, LeSabre, and Electra/Park Avenue and April 9, 1990 on engines used in Riviera and Reatta. The date the engine was built can be found on a sticker on the rear valve cover and can be viewed by looking past the brake master cylinder from the driver's side of the car.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.