GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1997 🢒 LeSabre 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 🢒 Oil Pan Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Notice: Remove the oil level sensor, located in the oil pan, before the oil pan is removed. The sensor may be damaged if the oil pan is removed first.

  1. Raise the vehicle.
  2. Drain the engine oil.
  3. Remove the flywheel cover. Refer to Engine Flywheel Removal .

    4. Object Number: 35861 Size: SH
  4. Remove the oil level sensor.
  5. Remove the oil filter.

    6. Object Number: 44775 Size: SH
  6. Remove the oil pan.
  7. Remove the oil pump pipe and screen.
  8. Remove the oil pan gasket.
  9. Clean the oil pan and cylinder block mating surfaces.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1341869 Size: SH
  1. Apply a continuous bead 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thick of RTV sealer GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) to the topside of the new gasket. Apply the RTV sealant directly over the gaskets sealing bead.
  2. Install the NEW oil pan gasket onto the engine.

    3. Object Number: 741054 Size: SH
  3. Apply a continuous bead 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thick of RTV sealer GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) to the bottom side of the new gasket. Apply the RTV sealant directly over the gaskets sealing bead.

    4. Notice: Install the oil level sensor, located in the oil pan, after the oil pan is installed. The sensor may be damaged if the oil level sensor is installed first.


    Object Number: 44775 Size: SH
  4. Install the oil pan gasket.
  5. Install the oil pump pipe and screen.
  6. Install the oil pan.

    7. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Important: Do not over tighten the oil pan bolts or damage to the pan could occur.

  7. Install the oil pan bolts.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 14 N·m (125 lb in).

  8. Install the oil filter.
  9. Install the flywheel cover. Refer to Engine Flywheel Replacement.

    10. Object Number: 35861 Size: SH
  10. Install the oil level sensor.
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Refill the engine oil.